Domestic Violence

Domestic Violence

100

What information should be obtain from the telecommunicator?

• Are there weapons?
• What are is the safest place to park?
• What are the parties fighting about?
• How many people are involved?

200

Dynamics of domestic violence 

Power and control

Victims do not leaving abusers due to situational and emotional factors.

300

Who is the first person on the scene of a DV call?

Telecommunicator

400

Will victims return to abusers?

Yes

500

When will LEO most likely see victim again?

Court

Response

100

How many officers should respond to a DV call always?

At least two

200

Where should you park your car?

Where is cannot be seen from the residence.

300

How should the residence be approached?

On foot with space between the two officers. 

400

What do you not cross in your approach?

Windows

500

Which officer should leave the home first?

The officer that is furthest inside the home. 

Enforcement Action

100

What orders can be filed for the complainant?

Protective order or civil no-contact order

200

Can the complainant be a threat to officers?

Yes. Victims may become a threat to officers always and possibly after the abuser is arrested. 

300

How should parties be interviewed?

Separately in different rooms with the officers backs to each other. 

400

Do you try to find witnesses?

Yes. The parties should be asked who may have witnessed the incident and if anyone was called or texted about the incident before law enforcement arrived. Officers should speak with children if there are any and the neighborhood should be checked to see if anyone heard or saw anything regarding the incident.

500

What information do you collect during the follow-up investigation?

• Obtain medical records if available
• Obtain a copy of the 911 call
• Re-interview witnesses as necessary
• Contact the victim and witnesses to inform them of the status of the case and the intended referral to the prosecutor’s office.
• Record name, address, and phone number of the two closer friends or relatives of the victim who will know their whereabouts six to 12 months later.
• Complete a records check for any domestic violence history to review whether original charges should be upgrade to felonies.
• Document all prior DV incidents
• Obtain follow-up photographs
• Ensure the victim has been made aware of provisions of the Crime Victims’ Rights Act
• Within 72 hours provide the victim with the AOC information
• Possibly assist in the return of one party to remove possessions
• If child protective services were contacted follow-up with the assigned case worker
• Monitor jail calls, letters and visits
• Obtain phone records of the offender, the victim and other relevant parties
• Conduct regular follow-up with the victim