NCJ Number
115000
Date Published
1988
Length
16 pages
Annotation
This report describes the goals and activities of an 18-month project that provided law enforcement administrator with training and technical assistance regarding the police role in family violence.
Abstract
The federally funded project included a training and policy survey, developed model operational policy and procedures for police responses to domestic violence, developed and distributed a training videotape, and conducted training seminars for 600 executives. It also provided technical assistance to more than 100 law enforcement agencies, victim advocates, district attorneys, victim service providers, and battered women's shelters. Project staff also identified three major issues requiring further research and attention. These issues are whether police should be empowered to act as complainants in domestic violence cases if the victim is unwilling to press charges, whether offenders should spend more time in custody after the arrest, and whether arrests of both parties in a domestic assault situation are justified in many of the cases in which they occur. Staff recommend additional training, legislation to ensure that domestic violence is treated as a crime, a public awareness and education campaign, and further research. The project received funding for a second cycle of activities and has conducted further training and other activities.