Re-thinking learning and development and well-being in the policing of rape: Insights from a rapid review of comparable public-service occupations

Abstract

Research within Operation Soteria Bluestone (OSB) has highlighted a number of challenges within learning and development for officers who investigate rape and serious sexual offences (RASSO). Moreover, one neglected area has been the relationship between learning and development and officer well-being. This article is based on a rapid review of 3,673 English-language titles that aimed to examine ‘best practice’ learning and development in the RASSO field. Using a combination of electronic and hand-searching methods, 52 titles were identified and subject to a full-text review. Three broad themes were identified and highlight the importance of: (1) considering which specialist knowledge and skills to develop; (2) encouraging active and reflective learners; and (3) measuring the impact of learning and development. The findings suggest there is much to learn from comparable, public-service occupations which can usefully inform and shape the re-design of certain elements of specialist RASSO training.