NCJ Number
183862
Journal
Law Enforcement Technology Volume: 27 Issue: 6 Dated: June 2000 Pages: 18-22
Date Published
June 2000
Length
4 pages
Annotation
Changes in attitudes and actions toward domestic assault over the past 15 years have resulted in increased police training on recognizing and addressing the problem, as well as in added support through mandatory arrest policies, quicker trials, proactive sentencing, greater availability of victim advocates, and improved technology.
Abstract
The increased numbers of domestic violence cases probably indicate both victims’ greater willingness to report these offenses and the requirement for police to take action against the batterer. However, each day 10 women die as a result of domestic violence. In addition, many people are unaware that domestic violence cuts across all social and economic lines. Moreover, children in violent homes are at greater risk of school problems, juvenile delinquency, criminality, and abuse. The Lakewood, Colo., Police Department established the Victims’ Advocate Response Unit to provide victim advocates and to work with the police, the prosecutor’s office, and the court system. It uses a business procedure called process mapping to depict the actual and optimal handling of domestic violence calls and establish a system to fast-track domestic abuse cases through the court system. Detroit patrol officers all have Polaroid instant cameras to photograph details. The Largo, Fla., Police Department places evidence on a secure Internet site for prosecutors, judges, and victims’ advocates to review. Other efforts include frequent bond screens, the use of conditional bonds, and training aimed at providing specific suggestions for police officers to use at domestic violence scenes. Photographs