NCJ Number
176772
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 46 Issue: 11 Dated: November 1998 Pages: 44-50
Date Published
1998
Length
7 pages
Annotation
The approach used by the Largo, Fla., Police Department to address domestic assault is considered to be a model for other police agencies.
Abstract
The components of the Largo program are a domestic violence web site, a mandatory arrest policy for domestic violence, a team of domestic violence intervention specialists whose first priority is the victims and their families, a cellular telephone program to safeguard victims, and partnering with organizations from every part of the community to provide long-term solutions to domestic assault. The agency established the program 3 years ago. Domestic violence became a focus in Largo because it was the most prevalent crime in the city. Every police officer now receives training regarding domestic violence procedures. In addition, licensed clinical social workers accompany police officers to domestic violence calls. Moreover, Largo's use of the Internet to address domestic violence is the first such use of the technology nationwide. The Domestic Violence Home Page allows the police to present compelling evidence that prosecutors and judges can view in their offices within hours of a crime, instead of days or weeks. The program has increased the prosecution rate to 85 percent. The program is relatively inexpensive and now costs about $200,000, mostly from Federal sources. Photographs and information about where to obtain additional information about the Largo program