Material Listing

This report contains the findings of the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division’s pattern and practice investigation of the Puerto Rico Police Department (PRPD). The investigation found troubling evidence that PRPD frequently failed to police sex crimes and incidents of domestic violence.

The Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice investigated the allegations that the Missoula Police Department ("MPD") discriminated against women in its response to sexual assault crimes. This letter summarizes the investigation and findings.

This report provides background information on why Congress gave the Civil Rights Division authority to address systemic police misconduct, how the Division opens pattern-or-practice investigations, what an investigation involves, and how the Division negotiates reform agreements.

In 2016, the Battered Women’s Justice Project organized a roundtable to continue the national discussion on the identification and prevention of gender bias in the law enforcement response to sexual assault and domestic violence. This report describes the roundtable, summarizes the themes that emerged as well as areas in which opinions varied, and recommends next steps toward implementation of the guidelines.

This briefing paper defines and provides examples of gender-biased policing, suggests ways for police departments to address bias that may underlie certain practices and policies, and offers steps advocates can take to work toward police reform.