Treating Family Abuse Using a Police Crisis Team Aproach (From Abusive Partner - An Analysis of Domestic Battering, P 216-229, 1982, Maria Roy, ed. - See NCJ-91082)

• NCJ Number: 91092
• Author(s): J J Carr
• Date Published: 1982
• Length: 14 pages
• Sale Source: Van Nostrand Reinhold
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Police crisis teams consisting of a social worker and a police officer offer several advantages for dealing with family abuse, particularly the ability to deal with both behaviors and associated feelings.

Abstract

Since January 1974, these teams have handled over 5,000 calls in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. The teams work from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. five nights a week. They operate in civilian clothing, have access to an unmarked police vehicle, and are radio equipped. The officer is armed. The original services were backup for uniformed patrol officers on disturbance calls, handling of followup referrals from officers, and followup of families previously seen. The team approach permits each member to use specific training, with roles clearly defined. The presence of the counselor, supported by the officer, enables the team to explore issues in depth, in the home, without the need to depend on outside resources. Additional advantages of the team approach are the encouragement of followup, the greater combined awareness of other community resources, and the supportive relationship that has developed between the disciplines of law enforcement and social work. The police department, clients, and community have all reported positive views of the team. In an era of multiple concerns and limited resources, community service agencies and police departments must together consider such alternative approaches to the issues of family violence and community mental health. Thirteen references are listed.