NCJ Number
102577
Journal
Journal of Police Science and Administration Volume: 14 Issue: 3 Dated: (September 1986) Pages: 187-192
Date Published
1986
Length
6 pages
Annotation
A questionnaire was administered to 125 police officers in 3 municipal agencies in a Midwestern State to identify police practices in handling domestic violence cases and to assess police officers' attitudes toward domestic violence.
Abstract
Factors found most likely to produce an arrest in a domestic violence case were perception of a direct threat to the officer's safety, perceived seriousness of the incident, and perception of the likelihood of future violence. Factors affecting the decision not to arrest were the victim's refusal to bring charges, no felonious criminal activity involved, and an overburdened criminal justice system, notably a crowded jail. Perceived difficulties in handling domestic assault incidents included restoring order, dealing with the assailant, and mediating between dealing with the assailant, and mediating between the victim and the offender. In making referrals, the officers relied first upon prosecutors and the courts, followed by mental health facilities, a battered women's shelter, a legal aid attorney, and drug/alcohol services. Officers believed that few criminal justice or social service agencies were effective in helping the parties referred. Findings indicate that police officers need more effective training in handling domestic violence and that criminal justice and social service agencies must plan and work together to devise policy and implement programs for offenders and victims of domestic violence. 11 references.