NCJ Number
190220
Journal
Caribbean Journal of Criminology and Social Psychology Volume: 5 Issue: 1&2 Dated: January/July 2000 Pages: 189-192
Date Published
2000
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article highlights the role of police officers and other public servants in the effort to reduce incidence of domestic violence in Trinidad and Tobago.
Abstract
It is critically important that police officers and social workers are equipped with the necessary skills, knowledge and ability to recognize and assess a situation swiftly and effectively. In years past, police officers were extremely reluctant to get involved in domestic matters. Out of traditional respect for the family as an institution, some officers regarded such incidents as ones in which they should not intervene. As the number of incidents multiplied and legislation was introduced, these officers were instructed to respond promptly to all such reports. These officers were trained in investigative techniques, as well as receiving, responding, and processing reports; diagnosing a dangerous perpetrator; interviewing and counseling, and establishing need for support. Legislation in 1999 offered greater protection by increasing the power and jurisdiction of the court; enlarging the scope of the protection order; providing harsher penalties to perpetrators; and giving the police greater power to intervene in domestic violence situations. This act also authorized the officer to enter premises without a warrant where he had reasonable cause to believe a person was engaging in conduct of physical hostility, and failure to act immediately may result in serious physical injury and death. The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service Community Facility was opened to provide shelter for women and children who had been removed from their homes in cases of domestic violence and other forms of abuse.