NCJ Number
208783
Journal
Police: The Law Enforcement Magazine Volume: 29 Issue: 2 Dated: February 2005 Pages: 36-40
Date Published
February 2005
Length
5 pages
Annotation
Based on interviews with veteran police officers across the country, this article examines the "code of silence" in police agencies regarding officer-perpetrated domestic violence and argues for agency policies that both acknowledge this problem and develop effective prevention and intervention strategies.
Abstract
In the past, when a police officer assaulted his wife or intimate partner, fellow officers would immediately close ranks to protect the offending officer from any legal action by the victim or any harm to his career. Victims and any witnesses would be convinced not to pursue any legal action or engage in tactics that would be detrimental to the officer. Victim needs and the danger of escalating violence by the officer were ignored, as the department hoped that the problem would disappear. This code of silence surrounding police domestic violence is beginning to erode, as police managers are facing the problem based on a realistic view of the cycle of domestic violence, causal factors, and the importance of both prevention and intervention. One effort to address this issue is the National Police Family Violence Prevention Program, which was established through the efforts of former Florida major crimes detective Renae Griggs. This program is designed to provide offending officers and those at risk of domestic violence with appropriate services that address their problems. Services include preventive and therapeutic counseling and an educational component designed to help officers recognize critical symptoms of stress and identify dysfunctional coping behaviors. The program also includes victim-centered outreach and advocacy programs. Overall, the program cultivates a nonjudgmental, therapeutic response that respects confidentiality.