NCJ Number
67322
Editor(s)
D LEBRUN
Date Published
1976
Length
0 pages
Annotation
THIS FILM ILLUSTRATES TYPICAL FAMILY CRISIS SITUATIONS THAT LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS MAY ENCOUNTER AND DEMONSTRATES DESIRABLE POLICE ATTITUDES AND BEHAVIORS, AS WELL AS COMMUNITY RESOURCE REFERRAL PROCEDURES.
Abstract
THE FIRST INCIDENT SHOWN IS A CASE OF AN ABUSING FATHER ARRESTED FOR BATTERING HIS SON. POLICE OFFICERS, AFTER REMOVING THE FATHER, ARE FACED WITH THE DILEMMA OF HELPING THE VICTIM, A PATHETIC LITTLE BOY WITH NOWHERE TO GO AND NO ONE TO CARE FOR HIM. THE SECOND SITUATION INVOLVES THE MARITAL DIFFICULTIES OF A YOUNG HISPANIC COUPLE, WHOSE RELATIONSHIP IS BEING STRAINED BY THE PRESENCE OF THE WIFE'S MENTALLY DISTURBED YOUNGER SISTER. DUE TO CRISIS INTERVENTION BY LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS, A FAMILY QUARREL IS SUBDUED BEFORE VIOLENCE ERUPTS, AND SOLUTIONS ARE FOUND FOR DIVERGENT NEEDS OF THE FAMILY MEMBERS. THE DISTURBED CHILD IS REFERRED TO A COMMUNITY RESIDENTIAL TREATMENT CENTER, AND THE COUPLE AGREE TO COOPERATE WITH A FAMILY COUNSELING SERVICE. THE POLICE OFFICER INVOLVEMENT IN THESE CRISES IS DISCUSSED AT INFORMAL RAP SESSIONS HELD BY THE POLICE STAFF. AT THESE, ATTENTION IS DRAWN TO THE NUMEROUS AGENCIES PROVIDING SOCIAL SERVICES FOR CITIZENS IN NEED OF ASSISTANCE. AN AGENCY DIRECTORY WITH PERTINENT INFORMATION IS DISTRIBUTED TO THE OFFICERS, AND THEY ARE URGED TO UTILIZE THESE SUPPORT AGENCIES IN THE COURSE OF THEIR WORK. A BOOKLET OF INSTRUCTION GUIDELINES AND A PROGRAM DESCRIPTION OF 'OFFICE SURVIVAL' ACCOMPANIES THE FILM. SEE NCJRS 67323. (MRK)