Fragmented responses: Variability in law enforcement and prosecutorial approaches to sexual assault cases

Abstract

Sexual assault (SA) remains a pervasive issue in the United States, marked by low reporting rates, inconsistent investigations, and limited convictions. In response, researchers and practitioners have promoted a range of best practices aimed at improving law enforcement and prosecutorial responses. This qualitative study draws on interviews with 13 law enforcement agencies and 12 prosecutors\u27 offices to explore how recommended practices—such as victim advocacy, specialized units, interagency collaboration, and case reviews—are interpreted and operationalized in the field. Findings reveal substantial variability, shaped not only by resource availability but also by leadership priorities, organizational culture, and the ambiguity of guidance documents. Rather than functioning as standardized protocols, best practices are filtered through internal logics, resulting in inconsistent and sometimes superficial implementation. Leadership emerged as a critical determinant of whether reforms were meaningfully enacted. These findings contribute to broader theoretical discussions of institutional discretion, highlighting how implementation is a socially constructed process influenced by perceived legitimacy and organizational norms