NCJ Number
194702
Date Published
1999
Length
69 pages
Annotation
In response to continuing community concerns communicated to the New South Wales Ombudsman's Office (Australia) regarding the policing of domestic violence, this report by the Ombudsman's Office reviews possible ways in which the Police Service could better use its limited resources to improve its service delivery in responding to domestic violence cases.
Abstract
Based on complaints and other information received by the Ombudsman's Office, there have been problems with police training in handling domestic violence incidents, the role of domestic violence liaison officers, and the failure of police officers to adhere to the Service's own policies and procedures for responding to domestic violence incidents. Specific issues discussed in this report are officers' devaluation of the seriousness of domestic violence and the minimization of its impact on victims, failure of officers to comply with mandated requirements for victim support services in domestic violence cases, lack of compliance with Police Service guidelines for responding to domestic violence incidents, and the failure of the Police Service to address failures in service delivery in the area of domestic violence. This report presents 25 recommendations intended to improve the Police Service's handling of domestic violence calls. Recommendations encompass improved service provision, revised guidelines and standard operating procedures, improved officer training in domestic violence response, and the revamping of the role of domestic violence liaison officers. Systematic monitoring and evaluation of policies and their implementation is critical for improved police performance in this important area of public safety.