NCJ Number
133864
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 39 Issue: 11 Dated: (November 1991) Pages: 78-80
Date Published
1991
Length
3 pages
Annotation
Because national statistics reveal that patrol officers in urban areas spend nearly 20 percent of their duty time responding to and processing domestic violence complaints, police agencies should seriously consider establishing regular domestic violence indoctrination and updated training programs.
Abstract
A domestic violence training program was developed in Lake County, Illinois. It was initiated with the support of supervisory personnel and was later expanded to include patrol and other officers who deal with the arrest and detention of offenders. Initial training consists of a series of lectures at department headquarters. Held prior to the start of patrol shifts, lectures address various issues regarding proper procedures to follow in handling domestic violence calls. Lectures emphasize that patrol officers can offer a great deal of assistance to victims and cover the reservations some officers have in arresting an offender who may have violated a civil protection order by mere presence in the victim's home. Any domestic violence training program should include an outreach component targeted to the media and support groups sympathetic to the issue. Police departments should analyze existing resources and personnel devoted to domestic violence, prepare a manual for responding officers on proper procedures to be employed ensure adequate supervision of domestic violence case processing, conduct technical and interactive training, and review domestic violence response procedures. A major effort should also be made to alert the media, local civic and professional groups, and the general public about the police department's efforts to improve its response to domestic and family violence.