Key Takeaways:
- The State College police department underreported rapes by 254 cases between 2013 and 2021, classifying them as sex offenses instead.
- The department used an outdated definition of rape until 2022, despite the FBI updating its definition in 2012.
- The underreporting of rapes has significant implications for public safety, trust in law enforcement, and the allocation of resources.
- Experts believe that the inaccurate reporting was not done intentionally, but rather due to a lack of awareness and training.
- The department has since updated its definition of rape and is working to improve its reporting practices.
Introduction to the Issue
The State College police department has been underreporting rapes for nearly a decade, according to a 10-month investigation by Spotlight PA. Between 2013 and 2021, the department reported only 67 rapes to the Pennsylvania State Police, when in fact there were 321 reported rapes during that time period. This discrepancy is due to the department’s use of an outdated definition of rape, which was updated by the FBI in 2012. The old definition only considered forced attacks involving penetration of the vagina by a penis as rape, excluding other forms of sexual assault.
The Impact of Underreporting
The underreporting of rapes has significant implications for public safety, trust in law enforcement, and the allocation of resources. Criminologist Eli B. Silverman notes that accurate data is key to good policing and maintaining trust with the community. When crime statistics lose their credibility, the public loses confidence in the police and is less inclined to report crime, further diminishing the effectiveness of police organizations. The underreporting of rapes can also produce a false sense of security among potential victims, leading to an increase in victimization and a decline in public safety.
The Department’s Response
State College Police Chief John Gardner has acknowledged the mistake and stated that the department was not aware of the updated definition of rape until 2022. Gardner claims that the inaccurate reporting was not done intentionally and that the department has since updated its definition of rape. However, experts and critics argue that the department’s actions, or lack thereof, demonstrate a lack of prioritization of sexual assault cases. The department’s handling of reported rapes has been questioned, with some cases being described as "assaults" in internal police records, rather than as rapes.
A Case Study: Lexi Tingley and Hanna Friedenberger
In 2019, two Penn State students, Lexi Tingley and Hanna Friedenberger, were raped at a student rental complex near campus. Despite both women reporting the crimes to the police, the department only recorded one rape in its internal crime log. The case highlights the potential consequences of underreporting rapes, including the failure to provide accurate information to the public and the potential for victims to feel dismissed or marginalized. Tingley and Friedenberger’s case also raises questions about the department’s handling of sexual assault cases and its commitment to supporting victims.
Conclusion and Recommendations
The underreporting of rapes by the State College police department is a serious issue that requires immediate attention and action. The department must take steps to improve its reporting practices, including providing training for officers and staff on the updated definition of rape. The department must also work to rebuild trust with the community, particularly with victims of sexual assault. This can be achieved by increasing transparency and accountability, as well as providing support and resources for victims. Ultimately, accurate reporting of crimes is essential for ensuring public safety and promoting trust in law enforcement.