DOI
https://doi.org/10.25772/SVK7-G349
Author ORCID Identifier
https://orcid.org/0009-0008-1719-2498
Defense Date
2025
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy
Department
Public Policy & Administration
First Advisor
Sarah Jane Brubaker
Second Advisor
Kellie Carlyle
Third Advisor
William Pelfrey, Jr.
Fourth Advisor
Chernoh Wurie
Abstract
The collaborations between domestic and sexual violence victim-serving agencies (DSVAs) and law enforcement agencies help connect victims of crime to needed services. To maximize the benefits of these victim-serving initiatives in Virginia, it is imperative that victim-serving agencies understand the perceptions and factors that influence the decision-making of law enforcement administrators. In this study, I first present a theoretical framework of Herbert Simon’s Decision-Making Theory as a guide to understanding police chiefs and sheriffs as public administrators. A review of the literature demonstrates gaps in existing scholarship around chiefs’ and sheriffs’ decision-making about domestic and sexual violence victim-serving initiatives. Next, I present a modified grounded theory research design with attention to phenomenological influences, utilizing semi-structured interviews with 13 Virginia police chiefs and sheriffs, seeking to develop a theory about how law enforcement administrators perceive and make decisions about collaborating with DSVAs. Based on participants representing a diverse sample of Virginia localities, the results of this study yield themes supporting the theoretical framework and evidence for expansion of the theory to include police chiefs’ and sheriffs’ emphasis on visionary ideas for their partnerships with DSVAs. This study also provides evidence for three key findings: police chiefs actively seek partnerships with DSVAs, communication between these agencies is crucial to their success, and officer experiences are prioritized by chiefs. These findings provide a basis for practical implications that can potentially help improve DSVA and law enforcement partnerships to benefit the futures of victims throughout the Commonwealth.
Rights
© Christine E. Wengloski
Is Part Of
VCU University Archives
Is Part Of
VCU Theses and Dissertations
Date of Submission
4-28-2025