NCJ Number
189094
Date Published
2002
Length
15 pages
Annotation
This "Checklist" is designed to assist law enforcement personnel and agencies in assessing and planning their response to domestic violence cases.
Abstract
In discussing the importance of the law enforcement response to domestic violence, the Checklist notes that effective law enforcement policies, practices, and protocols related to domestic violence have been proven to reduce fear, violence, injury, and homicide rates associated with this crime. The full implementation of the basic strategies incorporated in this Checklist will give law enforcement personnel and agencies better opportunities to protect victims while assisting in their recovery. The Checklist is divided into sections that correspond with the roles and/or responsibilities of each law enforcement professional involved in the agency's response to domestic violence (dispatcher, initial responding officer, follow-up investigator, supervisor, and manager). The Checklist of responsibilities for the dispatcher is divided into the following general responsibilities: obtain critical status and victim safety information; obtain relevant information from the caller; obtain related information; provide the victim with critical information; and obtain offender history and information on the likelihood of danger. The general responsibilities of the initial officer's response are to respond to the call, approach the scene, enter the scene, intervene to stop violence, assess and secure the scene, address the immediate needs of victims, conduct an initial interview with the victim, determine any violation of Federal law, provide the victim with essential information, identify and interview witnesses, interview the suspect, collect evidence at the crime scene, collect evidence off-site, make an arrest decision, and write an incident report. The general responsibilities of the follow-up investigator are to serve and enforce protection orders, collect additional information to support charges, address victim safety and support needs, provide victims with essential information, and deliver the case to the prosecution. The supervisor's response encompasses the monitoring of the response and ensuring proper data collection and communications. Management response involves setting the tone through the development of protocols, practices, training, and other mechanisms, as well as providing leadership in community initiatives to reduce violence against women. 5 footnotes