NCJ Number
200992
Date Published
January 2002
Length
26 pages
Annotation
This document presents guidelines for law enforcement response to domestic violence in Massachusetts.
Abstract
The guidelines begin with the definition of abuse and of family or household members, civil liability policy, and procedures. The guidelines on responding to the scene include dispatch and immediate response, probable cause standard, initial observations, entering a private premise, officer’s demeanor, officers’ roles at the scene, and what to do if there is serious injury. Investigation guidelines include interviewing witnesses, information from the scene, and information documentation. The officer must remember to keep a separate record of the address and phone number if the victim will be seeking to hide from the abuser. Arrest guidelines include the decision to arrest, mandatory or preferred arrest, suspect fleeing the scene, dual arrests, substantive dating relationships, arrest of a caretaker, and out-of-state orders or violations. There are guidelines for fingerprinting and photographing of defendants, service of orders, and property. Departmental polices on allegations against law enforcement personnel are described, as well as confidentiality of domestic violence programs locations, and police responsibilities. An officer’s responsibilities include remaining on the scene, obtaining medical treatment, getting the victim to a safe place, notification of rights, and activating the Emergency Judicial Response System. Other responsibilities of the officer involve arrest when appropriate, bail, referrals, incident reports, mandatory reporting, and firearms. The role of the supervisor involves assurances for practice, referrals, and follow-up investigations. Attachments describe abused persons notice of rights, criminal harassment statutes, and stalking statutes.