NCJ Number
171063
Date Published
1998
Length
37 pages
Annotation
This final report on the domestic violence project implemented by the Westminster Police Department (California) pertains to a comprehensive effort to reduce domestic violence and hold violent offenders accountable for their behavior.
Abstract
An included article from the Los Angeles Times notes that the Westminster effort has streamlined case processing procedures, increased convictions, and reduced the number of domestic-assault cases dismissed. Also included in the report is a media briefing that describes the program. Features emphasized are the cooperation of the prosecutor, police investigator, social worker, and victim advocate in the same office at the police department; police training to increase specific beliefs and knowledge; improved police documentation of the crime; and vertical prosecution. Data presented pertain to officer beliefs about domestic violence, officer knowledge about domestic violence, improved preparation of police reports, victims offered services, and domestic violence case dispositions. The conclusions from the project are that police are trained to better investigate and document domestic violence; a multiagency team works together to intensify the investigation and prosecution of domestic violence; victims are offered referrals to community agencies for necessary assistance; domestic violence is effectively prosecuted; and the program holds violent offenders accountable for their actions. The evaluation report presents the results of data collection and pretest and post-test assessments. The evaluation concludes that the program model shows promise in improving the prosecution of domestic violence offenses, but additional efforts are needed to meet victim needs. Appended references and evaluation scales