NCJ Number
212079
Date Published
1996
Length
62 pages
Annotation
This guide presents the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) guidelines and training for the law enforcement response to domestic violence in California.
Abstract
Domestic violence is a widespread problem that demands an effective law enforcement response. In 1984, the California Legislature passed Senate Bill 1472 which requires that POST develop guidelines for the law enforcement response to domestic violence in an effort to ensure that domestic violence is treated as a serious crime against society and to ensure victims receive the maximum protection from abuse. The resulting guidelines are contained in this report; they are presented in an abbreviated format with the intention that law enforcement administrators will elaborate upon them with local proscriptions for officer response. The guidelines reflect recent California law changes as well as contemporary research on domestic violence. Guidelines present protocols for felony arrests, misdemeanor arrests, dual arrests, reporting, and restraining orders. Arrest criteria and enforcement procedures are enumerated followed by guidelines for verifying and enforcing criminal protective orders. Guidelines for what should be provided, in writing, to victims of domestic violence are offered and include information about shelters and the right to an attorney. Appendixes include relevant statutes. Bibliography, appendixes