Type:	Journal Article
Title:	Law enforcement involved domestic abuse
Other Titles:	Law & order
Authors:	Graves, Alex
Keywords:	Workplaces;Policy;Training;Policing
Year:	2004
Publisher:	Hendon Publishing Company
Citation:	52 (11), November 2004
Notes:	General Overview: This article from the United States advocates for a law enforcement policy governing response to police officers who abuse their partners. The article is written by a law enforcement training specialist. Discussion: The article discusses the need for a comprehensive policy, not only to prevent domestic violence but also to prevent the negative community reaction to police following disclosure of officers who abuse. It outlines appropriate responses of a police department to suspected abusers in police ranks, including establishing a policy, responding swiftly to reports (regardless of the abuser’s rank or seniority), making contact with and supporting the victim to ensure their safety, and treating the incident as a crime. The article reports that around 40% of law enforcement families experience domestic violence each year, in comparison to around 11-12% of families in the general US population. It makes reference to difficulty victims have in gaining an adequate criminal justice response when they report abuse by law enforcement officers. Some of the federal legislation in relation to domestic violence nationally is discussed. The paper also explores the potential for law enforcement agencies to show leadership around the issue of domestic violence. Conclusions: In conclusion the article recommends that a policy governing the behaviour of law enforcement officers should at minimum cover (1) victim safety and protection; (2) prevention and training; (3) early warning and prevention; (4) incident response protocol; (5) agency follow up; and (6) post incident administrative and criminal decisions.
URI:	https://anrows.intersearch.com.au/anrowsjspui/handle/1/15574
ISSN:	0023-9194
Appears in Collections:	Journal Articles

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