NCJ Number
106089
Date Published
1986
Length
50 pages
Annotation
This manual presents uniform procedures and guidelines for all persons dealing with domestic-violence cases within the Denver criminal justice system (Colorado).
Abstract
Police policy is to view all domestic violence complaints as instances of alleged criminal conduct, with arrest, charging, and detention deemed the most appropriate law enforcement responses when probable cause exists in domestic violence situations. It is not necessary for the victim to agree to press charges. The completion of a field contact card by responding officers is required for every domestic violence call. The Sheriff's Department is instructed to have bond set by the judge at the first court session following the arrest of domestic violence suspects. 'Domestic Violence' shall be marked on prisoner arrest records. The prosecution policy is to act in domestic violence cases so as to benefit the perpetrator, protect and assist the victim, and end violence in the family. Sentencing options encompass imprisonment, community-based corrections, and probation. Diversion procedures encompass screening, evaluation, case tracking, and monitoring. Probation procedures cover the presentence investigation and the monitoring of probation conditions. Victim advocacy procedures and guidelines and community victim services are specified, following by a listing of treatment services for batterers and treatment standards for perpetrators.