Military Addresses Domestic Violence, Sheriffs and Deputies Have Role to Play

• NCJ Number: 203170
• Journal: Sheriff Volume: 55 Issue: 5 Dated: September-October 2003 Pages: 64-65,69
• Author(s): Debby Tucker
• Editor(s): Mike Terault
• Date Published: September 2003
• Length: 3 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This article briefly examines how the military is making major policy changes in its handling of domestic violence under the Defense Task Force on Domestic Violence and the role of sheriffs and deputies in the intervention process of military domestic violence.

Abstract

Domestic violence is viewed by the Defense Department as a violation of the core values of the military and realizes that intervention is an absolute necessity. As an outcome, in 2000 the Secretary of Defense convened the Defense Task Force on Domestic Violence. The objective of the task force is in the changing of existing domestic violence policies for effective policy change. The full protocol being recommended by the task force is presently being reviewed for adoption by all four forces of the military. One piece of the protocol is the passing of the 2002 Armed Forces Domestic Security Act, providing that civilian order of protection shall have the same force and effect on a military installation as it does within the jurisdiction of the court that issued the order. The task force also recommended specific steps to improve crisis intervention as well as prevention. In addition, the task force has presented several recommendations on the training of military law enforcement personnel in the area of domestic violence. Through these changes in policy, the military system elevates civilian law enforcement to the role of full partner in the intervention process. This partnership is seen through the creation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) which encourages open communication and complete access between civilian and military bodies. There is an agreed upon approach in responding to domestic violence incidents. With the Armed Forces Domestic Security Act and the task force’s strategic plan, the MOU should significantly improve victim safety and offender accountability in all branches of the military.