Eloy, Arizona, Arrest Policies Project: A Process Evaluation

• NCJ Number: 201871
• Author(s): Margaret Marcus Hale Ph.D.
• Date Published: February 2000
• Length: 25 pages
• Grant Number(s): 98-WE-VX-0012
• Agencies: NIJ-Sponsored
• Publication Type: Program/Project Evaluation

Annotation

This report presents the methodology, findings, and recommendations of a process evaluation of the Arrest Policies program of Eloy, AZ, a Federal grant program intended to encourage jurisdictions to implement mandatory or proarrest policies as an effective domestic-violence intervention that is part of a coordinated community response.

Abstract

For the initial grant application, the program partners were the Eloy Police Department and two community agencies: the Pinal Hispanic Council and Against Abuse, Inc. The not-for-profit Pinal Hispanic Council operates three mental health clinics in the county. It currently provides outpatient services to children, youth, and families who are experiencing problems with alcohol, drugs, mental health, domestic violence, child abuse, marital problems, etc. Against Abuse, Inc. provides the only shelter and transitional housing in the county for victims of domestic violence. For most of the project period, the project director was a police sergeant with 18 years on the force. The overall goal of the project was "to implement an innovative, collaborative, technologically driven project that enhances arrest, increases victim safety, and promotes community wellness." The project evaluation was based on a 5-day site visit that included interviews and document review. Follow-up interviews and inquiries were conducted by telephone. The Coalition Against Domestic Violence developed the Pinal County Domestic Violence Protocols for use by professionals involved in the response to domestic violence cases. Against Abuse, Inc. has refined and diversified its training curricula and presentation format to address the information needs of a wide variety of audiences. Victim services available as part of the project include legal services, case management counseling, shelter, and transitional housing. When funds became available, three computers were purchased, and a local area network was established. The evaluation determined that the project has achieved many of its original objectives, modified and added objectives as the project unfolded, and continues to work toward its overall goal. Recommendations focus on the inclusion of descriptions or definitions in project objectives; plans that explain how the goals will continue to be addressed as the grant progresses and ends; assessment of the reliability, validity, utility, and the intended use of tools; a commitment from all agencies involved to update their information systems and their use; commitments of all involved agencies to ensure the arrest, prosecution, sentencing, and community oversight of domestic violence offenders; and the employment of an outside evaluator as early as possible in the process.