NCJ Number
145160
Journal
Police Chief Volume: 60 Issue: 10 Dated: (October 1993) Pages: 19,134-138
Date Published
1993
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This article presents findings from a survey that solicited Texas police officers' views of the State's family violence laws and procedures.
Abstract
All police chiefs and sheriffs in Texas received questionnaires. Of the 1,000 questionnaires sent out, 470 were returned. The questionnaire asked about police attitudes toward the protective order process in family violence cases, the judicial process in such cases, and the importance of education and training in the application of family violence laws. Paradoxically, survey findings show that Texas police officers believe the protective order is effective, but they also see the need for improvement in its application. They are particularly concerned about the system's apparent inability to achieve a timely resolution of a case. Approximately 95 percent of the respondents recommend a formal evaluation of the judicial system's decisions in family violence cases. Respondents recommend more training in family violence law and procedure for the public, teachers, police officers, and court personnel. 3 tables and 8 references