NCJ Number
171556
Date Published
Unknown
Length
74 pages
Annotation
This manual provides guidelines for officers in the Randolph Police Department (Massachusetts) in responding to and investigating domestic violence, from the initial call through the prosecution.
Abstract
After defining abuse, the manual covers the initial call, notably the dispatcher's response. Guidance for the responding officer focuses first on understanding the batterer and the victim. Procedures for responding to the scene encompass officer responsibilities enroute, during the approach, and inside the house. Other topics discussed in responding to the scene are medical aid, firearms, arrest, dual arrests, victim's rights, emergency judicial response, bail, and finding a safe place for the victim. Topics covered in the investigative phase are ascertaining the facts; interviewing the victim and witnesses; interrogating the batterer; and matters that pertain to children, firearms, property, evidence collection, evidence that involves the violation of a protective order, and photographs. Other issues covered are reports, follow-up, service of order, enlisting community support, establishing written guidelines, domestic violence units and officers, effect on children, alcohol and drug abuse, lethality checklist, stalking, police officers as batterers, training, and legislative update. Supplementary appended information and forms