The Austin Police department is making more improvements to how it handles sex assault investigations.
With the help of the non profit “Project Beloved” APD spent 25-thousand dollars on redecorating their sex crimes interview rooms into soft interview rooms, this involves new paint, new furniture, soundproofing, blankets, even scents. Chief Brian Manley said it is all for one purpose, every single piece of this is important, in making that part of the process…the interview, a critical component of the investigation, the easiest as can be for a survivor of such a violent assault.
Connie Geerhart with APD’s victims services thinks this could help survivors as their senses will be on high alert following a trauma. “I’m thinking that survivors are going to be feel more comforted and patient. And maybe more likely to be able to handle the rigors of a long interview process.”
(Photo:Newsradio KLBJ 590am/99.7fm/Jon Cooley)
