Popular on TelAve
- Experience Trembling Firsthand with the New AgeMan® Tremor Simulator
- IRF Builders Forum Brings Global Leaders to Washington, D.C. to Advance Religious Freedom Through Cooperative Engagement
- The ITeam Ranked on Channel Partners 2025 MSP 501—Tech Industry's Most Prestigious List of Managed Service Providers Worldwide
- Keepy Uppy™ by Ollyball Wins Prestigious 2025 Influencer Award from Clamour & The Toy Association; Announces Fall 2025 Launch at Target Stores
- Colorado Scenthound Locations Partner with Humane Colorado to Give Adopted Dogs a "Clean Start"
- TCAA Welcomes Adolfo Gomez Sanchez to Its Family of Talented Speakers
- databahn Launches GenAI Sales Intelligence Platform to Revolutionize Fortune 500 and Global 2000 Account Research
- NYC Leadership Strategist Stacie Selise Launches Groundbreaking 4S Framework Series to Redefine Executive Excellence
- Shop American Made Goods: New Online Marketplace My American Goods Curates the Best of U.S. Made
- Honoring Black History, Culture, and Community in Fall River
Similar on TelAve
- Radarsign Tackles Intersection Safety with Launch of Grid-Free Solar LED Stop Sign
- Deaths Spur Closures, but Troubled Teen Camps Must Be Banned, CCHR Warns
- The AML Shop Launches New Financial Investigations Unit, Appoints Director to Lead the Initiative
- Stan Fitzgerald Appointed Acting Press Secretary for Veterans for America First VFAF Georgia State Chapter
- Eolian Signs New Information Exchange Agreement with the U.S. Department of Defense for Technology Innovation
- Despite Global Calls for a Ban, US Child Psychiatry Pushes Electroshock for Kids
- Byrd Davis Alden & Henrichson Launches Independence Day Safe Ride Initiative with 500 Free Uber Credits
- IRF Builders Forum Brings Global Leaders to Washington, D.C. to Advance Religious Freedom Through Cooperative Engagement
- Nationally Recognized Hispanic Activist and Businessman, Luis Figueroa, to speak at CPAC Latino 2025, Showcasing Hispanic Leadership in Action
- New Frontier Aerospace Successfully Tests Its Revolutionary Mjölnir Rocket Engine
STATEMENT: Springfield Police Department Responds to CNN Coverage
TelAve News/10868783
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Nov. 29, 2018
STATEMENT: Springfield Police Department Responds to CNN Coverage
Like many other agencies across the country, the Springfield Police Department (SPD) continues to evolve and grow alongside the community we serve. The shift in how society approaches sexual assault and domestic violence has been significant and resulted in changes to how policing agencies serve these victims. In some places law enforcement has been slow to adjust; but SPD has been, and will continue to be, proactive in implementing new and improved practices in responding to and investigating such crimes.
A Nov. 29, 2018 CNN story does not portray an accurate representation of SPD as a whole, especially regarding our current practices and procedures investigating sexual assault cases. As cultural shifts in society lead us toward victim-centered, trauma-informed approaches in investigating all crimes, including sexual assault, SPD is at the forefront.
Chief Paul Williams and SPD staff were open, honest and transparent in responding to dozens of requests for information from CNN between 2016 and 2018, acknowledging past improper practices and detailing current improved practices. SPD staff spent two years receiving, responding to and fulfilling CNN's public records requests and conducting multiple interviews and discussions with the cable news outlet. SPD provided a considerable amount of information detailing current practices that was not factored into the larger story referencing Springfield. Some of this information was relegated to a separate, secondary document. This does not provide adequate context to readers of the main story.
More on TelAve News
A few important factors pointed out in the story are true:
and under-resourced, which contributed to the issues noted in the story.
Here are some examples of what SPD has done to ensure that we most effectively and empathetically serve the citizens of Springfield:
We are disappointed that despite the sharing of hundreds of documents and two years of ongoing communication, the national cable news outlet's coverage fell short.
More on TelAve News
The CNN reporter began with a specific pre-conceived narrative and continued with that narrative, excluding information that would have provided a more accurate and balanced story. We do give credit, however, to our local news media for accurately and consistently reporting on issues surrounding the testing and destruction of sexual assault kits.
"As law enforcement professionals, we are constantly looking for ways to improve. Over the past several years, we have taken [an] active role to make changes to alleviate the issue of sexual violence within our community, and to better serve victims, and we will continue to do so in the years to come," said Chief Paul Williams.
Police Chief Paul Williams Issues Official Apology
# # #
MEDIA: Thank you for your patience, as we reviewed the story thoroughly this afternoon. Police Chief Paul Williams has cancelled his plans tomorrow and will be available for questions regarding this story between 9 a.m. and noon.
Media Contact: PAO Jasmine Bailey
417-864-1786
[email protected]
Release authorized by: Chief Paul Williams
Nov. 29, 2018
STATEMENT: Springfield Police Department Responds to CNN Coverage
Like many other agencies across the country, the Springfield Police Department (SPD) continues to evolve and grow alongside the community we serve. The shift in how society approaches sexual assault and domestic violence has been significant and resulted in changes to how policing agencies serve these victims. In some places law enforcement has been slow to adjust; but SPD has been, and will continue to be, proactive in implementing new and improved practices in responding to and investigating such crimes.
A Nov. 29, 2018 CNN story does not portray an accurate representation of SPD as a whole, especially regarding our current practices and procedures investigating sexual assault cases. As cultural shifts in society lead us toward victim-centered, trauma-informed approaches in investigating all crimes, including sexual assault, SPD is at the forefront.
- In 2014, SPD became one of the first agencies in Missouri to begin submitting all rape kits to the crime lab for testing.
- In 2014 Chief Williams attended International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP's) Violence Against Women (VAW) executive training program and Captain (then Lieutenant) Tad Peters attended the VAW supervisor training. A thorough review of all related SPD policies and practices was conducted and is ongoing.
- In 2013, we created and implemented a Domestic Violence Lethality Assessment to assist victims in identifying indicators that may predict future domestic or sexual assault.
Chief Paul Williams and SPD staff were open, honest and transparent in responding to dozens of requests for information from CNN between 2016 and 2018, acknowledging past improper practices and detailing current improved practices. SPD staff spent two years receiving, responding to and fulfilling CNN's public records requests and conducting multiple interviews and discussions with the cable news outlet. SPD provided a considerable amount of information detailing current practices that was not factored into the larger story referencing Springfield. Some of this information was relegated to a separate, secondary document. This does not provide adequate context to readers of the main story.
More on TelAve News
- Colbert Packaging Announces WBENC Recognition
- DivX Empowers Media Enthusiasts with Free Expert Guides for Advanced MP4 Management
- Assent Expands Executive Team to Accelerate Global Growth & Innovation
- The World's Largest Green Economic Revolution Emerges as Nature, Tech, and Finance Converge
- Vinnetwork Unveils Decentralized AI Platform with Vinnetwork(VIN) Token to Challenge Tech Giants' Data Monopoly
A few important factors pointed out in the story are true:
- All of the cases highlighted in the story are from 2012 or prior.
- During the timeframe reported on, Springfield Police Department was understaffed
and under-resourced, which contributed to the issues noted in the story.
- Errors were made in some of the cases highlighted.
Here are some examples of what SPD has done to ensure that we most effectively and empathetically serve the citizens of Springfield:
- SPD researched to see if there was a backlog of sexual assault kits within our agency. Once we determined there had been a number of stored rape kits that had not been tested, we began the process of finding ways to test the backlogged kits.
- Missouri Highway Patrol Crime Lab agreed to accept all untested kits from SPD that were less than one-year-old.
- Piloted a program with the Missouri Highway Patrol Crime Lab to systematically process the remaining untested kits (i.e. 10 per month).
- Applied for and accepted as a member of the Sexually Assault Kit (SAK) Partnership with the FBI/Department of Justice to fund the testing of backlogged kits (30 approved for testing in Aug 2017, but acceptance delayed until April 2018, no word on additional testing availability).
- We continue to provide trauma-informed sexual assault training to allow investigators to have a better understanding of victims' perspectives and behaviors.
- We worked with the Missouri Attorney General's Office to:
- Survey all agencies in the state (law enforcement and medical) to determine how many untested rape kits exist.
- Seek the state legislature's help in allocating budget money to fund the testing of the backlogged kits throughout the state.
- Support the AG's grant application for funding to create a statewide tracking program for rape kits and to provide money to test all backlogged kits.
- Continue to work with a variety of organizations to create a state-wide tracking and testing program for rape kits (which includes SPD's practice of submitting all kits for testing).
We are disappointed that despite the sharing of hundreds of documents and two years of ongoing communication, the national cable news outlet's coverage fell short.
More on TelAve News
- Centennial Flyers to Become Colorado's First Launch Customer for All-Electric B23 Energic Aircraft
- Pyro Marketing Opens New Digital Marketing Company in Saint Petersburg to Power Growth for Fitness and Ecommerce Brands
- Dr. John Salerno of Salerno Wellness Introduces Their New Full Body Capsule for Advanced LED Light Therapy Patient Treatments
- $14M Expansion Deal with Famed David Lloyd Highlights Rebrand of Sports, Entertainment and Gaming Innovation by AI Driven, Online Fan Engagement Co
- Heartfelt Dreams Foundation Launches Campaign to Build CHD Hospital
The CNN reporter began with a specific pre-conceived narrative and continued with that narrative, excluding information that would have provided a more accurate and balanced story. We do give credit, however, to our local news media for accurately and consistently reporting on issues surrounding the testing and destruction of sexual assault kits.
"As law enforcement professionals, we are constantly looking for ways to improve. Over the past several years, we have taken [an] active role to make changes to alleviate the issue of sexual violence within our community, and to better serve victims, and we will continue to do so in the years to come," said Chief Paul Williams.
Police Chief Paul Williams Issues Official Apology
# # #
MEDIA: Thank you for your patience, as we reviewed the story thoroughly this afternoon. Police Chief Paul Williams has cancelled his plans tomorrow and will be available for questions regarding this story between 9 a.m. and noon.
Media Contact: PAO Jasmine Bailey
417-864-1786
[email protected]
Release authorized by: Chief Paul Williams
0 Comments
Latest on TelAve News
- Utah Metal Fabricator Titan Forge Builds Momentum with Custom Steel Projects and Spiral Staircases
- Jason Koch: Pioneering the Future of Real Estate Development in New Jersey
- Bach and Beyond: Cellists Return to the Beach for 2nd Annual Bethany Beach Cellofest
- NR7 Miner launches zero-cost USDT cloud mining service: daily stable income + referral rewards for double profit
- Deaths Spur Closures, but Troubled Teen Camps Must Be Banned, CCHR Warns
- Palmer Lake Wine Festival To Build Bridges in Small Mountain Community, Highlight Local Businesses
- SacraPod Suites Unveils AI-Powered 'Work + Rest' Smart Hospitality Model for Retrofitting Underused Motels Across the U.S
- From Real Estate to Reel Power: H.L Woods Carves His Legacy as a Cutting-Edge Visionary Filmmaker
- New Release: 'The Invisible Alternative' Unveiled by Atrisk Corporation, Resilient
- Cynthia Pinot Among Artists Selected for Renowned London Art Biennale 2025
- Real Estate Experts Highlight Jersey Shore as a Smart Buy in 2025
- $18 Price Target Issued in New Research Report After $34 Million Revenue Forecast from Acquisition; $101.5 Million Net Revenue in 2025; NAS DAQ: IQST
- West Dentistry Welcomes New Oral Surgeon to Enhance Patient Care
- The AML Shop Launches New Financial Investigations Unit, Appoints Director to Lead the Initiative
- Raidium révolutionne le diagnostic de la Sclérose en Plaques en partenariat avec l'Hôpital Fondation Adolphe de Rothschild
- New Podcast "Spreading the Good BUZZ" Hosted by Josh and Heidi Case Launches July 7th with Explosive Global Reach and a Mission to Transform Lives
- The Herbal Care, Led by Markel Bababekov, Becomes a Top Dispensary in NYC's Upper East Side
- Digital Watchdog Launches New myDW Cloud Services
- Stan Fitzgerald Appointed Acting Press Secretary for Veterans for America First VFAF Georgia State Chapter
- Drone Light Shows Emerge as the New Standard in Live Event Entertainment