NCJ Number
209671
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 53 Issue: 4 Dated: April 2005 Pages: 94-98
Date Published
April 2005
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article describes the composition and functions of the Family Protection Unit (FPU) of the Westminster Police Department (California).
Abstract
The FPU is a multidisciplinary unit that is structured to ensure the coordination of responses to all forms of family safety issues. The domestic violence detective (DVD) is responsible for handling all incoming domestic-violence calls. The DVD works closely with the FPU's in-house probation officer in conducting random searches and probation interviews. The DVD also cooperates with the FPU's in-house social worker and the assigned victim adomestic violenceocate. The unit has a sexual assault investigator who may work with the DVD in specific investigations. These two detectives use an innovative system available to all Orange County sexual assault detectives. The county's Child Abuse Services Team specializes in interviews with young sexual assault or abuse victims. The FPU has its own in-house deputy district attorney, who handles all of its cases in a vertical prosecution format. All cases handled by the unit are submitted to the deputy district attorney for filing; he/she also approves all search warrants and attends many crime scenes. The county social worker assigned to the FPU is responsible for conducting evaluations of parental fitness and regularly works with the DVD in coordinating cases. The unit's victim adomestic violenceocate coordinates the obtaining of food, income, shelter placement, restraining orders, and counseling for victims; and attends court appearances with them. The Police Service Officer coordinates case management and case preparation for the unit. As part of its functions, the unit has developed a stalking protocol designed to prevent escalation to a dangerous stage.