July 18, 2023

Audit report of sexual assault investigations details 8 key findings

The City of Johnson City on Tuesday released its Audit of Sex-Related Crimes, a 45-page review of 325 sexual assault-related investigations conducted by the Daigle Law Group (DLG). The firm was contracted by the City after hearing concerns from residents in the summer of 2022.

DLG, an independent third party and national expert, spent months researching the Johnson City Police Department’s (JCPD) investigations of sexual assault cases that took place between January 2018 and December 2022. The audit, which was specific to the processes and procedures used in investigations of this nature, included file review, interviews of personnel, and input from the community.

“We first want to acknowledge that victims of sexual assault have not always received the best possible treatment and care from our police department,” said City Manager Cathy Ball. “The department’s new leadership team is dedicated to continued changes toward compassionate and effective service so that all citizens know they are safe and protected.”

The eight findings from the report are as follows:

Finding No. 1: The Records Management System and records process at JCPD is inadequate to support the effective operation of the Department.

Finding No. 2: The sexual assault investigations conducted by JCPD have material deficiencies that can hinder the ability to collect necessary evidence for a complete and accurate investigation.

Finding No. 3: JCPD’s investigations were found to be inconsistent, ineffective, and incomplete.

Finding No. 4: JCPD process of closing investigations is flawed and inaccurate.

Finding No. 5: JCPD needs to ensure that all complaints of misconduct against the Department, including anonymous complaints, are timely investigated.

Finding No. 6: Supervision was insufficient to ensure full, fair and complete investigations.

Finding No. 7: Department policies and procedures do not meet industry standards and legal requirements to investigate sexual assault investigations.

Finding No. 8: Department training is insufficient to effectively conduct unbiased sexual assault and related investigations.

While awaiting the audit report, Johnson City prioritized this issue and changed how JCPD approaches sexual assault cases. City management met regularly with the firm’s principal, Eric Daigle, throughout the process to learn what improvements could be made - along with what investments should be prioritized in the FY24 budget - so that action could be taken prior to the completion of the audit. 

Steps implemented include:

1. Full implementation of, and training on, the District Attorney’s new sexual assault investigation protocol, which has changed our criminal justice system significantly, making it better equipped to deliver justice for victims
2. Complete review of investigative policies and procedures
3. Creation of a comfortable space for use by victims as interviews are conducted
4. An additional $100,000 invested for training to ensure police officers are knowledgeable and understanding of the unique nature of sexual assault cases
5. $50,000 allocated for a new records management system that will help ensure that all cases are handled efficiently and expediently
6. Assessment of additional staffing needs

“We believe these steps to be significant, but only the beginning. We commit to demonstrating improvements in the areas where we have fallen short,” Ball said. 

Ball will make a formal report on the audit to the Board of Commissioners at its July 20 meeting. While not standard practice, the community is invited to offer public comment following the presentation.

“Anyone who wishes to do so will have the opportunity for their voice to be heard,” Ball said.

Feedback on the report also is welcomed via email to citymgr@johnsoncitytn.org.

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