NCJ Number
46617
Date Published
1976
Length
7 pages
Annotation
THE POLICE ROLE IN HANDLING DOMESTIC DISPUTES AND CHILD ABUSE CASES IS EXAMINED.
Abstract
THE ROLE OF THE POLICE IS NOT PRIMARILY PUNITIVE; MUCH OF THE POLICE OFFICER'S TIME INVOLVES DEALING WITH CALLS FOR HELP IN THE SOCIAL WELFARE FIELD. THE PROBLEM OF CHILD ABUSE IS WIDESPREAD, ALTHOUGH MANY PEOPLE ARE UNWILLING TO RECOGNIZE THE EXTENT OF THE PROBLEM. THE POLICEMAN, HOWEVER, IS TRAINED TO QUESTION, AND THIS SKEPTICISM MAKES THE OFFICER MORE LIKELY TO DETECT SUCH A CRIME. THE POLICE DO NOT NECESSARILY WISH TO PROSECUTE EVERY CASE OF ABUSE, BUT THEY REALIZE THAT MANY PEOPLE WILL NOT SEEK TREATMENT ON THEIR OWN UNLESS THEY ARE BROUGHT BEFORE THE COURT AND ORDERED TO DO SO. THE POLICE SURGEON IS A VALUABLE PERSON IN THE INVESTIGATION OF A SUSPECTED CHILD ABUSE CASE, FEELING NO TIES OR OBLIGATIONS OF CONFIDENTIALITY TOWARD THE FAMILY. IN THE CASE OF DOMESTIC DISPUTES, WHICH OFTEN TAKE THE FORM OF WIFE BEATING, COMPLAINTS HAVE OFTEN BEEN MADE THAT THE POLICE TAKE NO ACTION. HOWEVER, THE OFFICERS ARE BOUND BY THE LAWS OF EVIDENCE, AND IN ORDER TO TAKE OFFICIAL ACTION, THEY MUST HAVE PROOF THAT AN OFFENSE HAS BEEN COMMITTED. THEY NEED A COMPLAINANT, AND MANY VICTIMS OF FAMILY VIOLENCE ARE RELUCTANT TO TESTIFY AGAINST THEIR SPOUSE. IF THE AGGRIEVED PERSON TAKES NO ACTION, THE POLICE CAN DO NOTHING. THE POLICE AGENCY'S IMPORTANCE IN DOMESTIC DISPUTE COMPLAINTS STEMS FROM THE FACT THAT IT IS AVAILABLE AT ALL TIMES AND IS PREPARED TO DEAL WITH THE SITUATION IF IT TURNS OUT TO BE A SERIOUS OFFENSE, SUCH AS MURDER. IT WOULD, HOWEVER, BE USEFUL TO HAVE THE BACKUP SUPPORT OF OTHER SERVICE AGENCIES AT TIMES WHEN THE CASE IS FOUND TO BE PURELY A SOCIAL PROBLEM. (VDA)