It's getting late and help has not arrived. Minutes seem like hours as you wait. You wonder, "Does anyone really care?" Most police officers say they became officers to "better their community and to make a difference." If these are valid reasons than it would only be logical for officers to devote more time and effort into handling domestic violence radio calls. The affects of domestic violence are felt in every part of society. Research has shown there is a correlation between incarcerated men and domestic violence. Many of them were witnesses to domestic violence as children. So why aren't police officers speeding through red lights to handle domestic violence calls?
Help never arrives soon enough. Victims will often bombard the responding officers with statements and questions, only to be answered with, "Where is the suspect now?,' 'Does he have a weapon?,' and 'Do you mind if we look around?" FBI statistics show that 45% percent of officers killed during domestic violence calls are shot before they actually make contact with the victim. The victim's problems are not an issues in the officers' mind at this time. The officers are not uninterested in the victim's problems. Their safety is their primary concern. Police officers are taught that domestic violence calls are the most dangerous calls to handle. A police officers first action is to locate the accused and make sure the area is safe.
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Domestic Violence Calls Dangerous and Unpredictable for Police January 7, 2005
Officers often feel like domestic violence is a hidden clause in their contract. Many veteran officers believe domestic violence calls aren't "real" police work. Ironically, they are more dangerous than robbery and a burglary calls but receive less cooperation from victims and the judicial courts. The majority of those cases ended in a plea bargain where the abuser received probation and or counseling. Probation and counseling is not rewarding for most police officers. We receive our gratification by watching defendants receive felony convictions.
So what affect does this have on police officers? Many law enforcement agencies lure people into the career by portraying the job as action packed, chasing armed and dangerous robbers and burglars. Once on the job, rookie officers learn that robbery and burglary calls are only a third of the calls. A majority of the radio calls in the city of Louisville are domestic violence calls. Veteran officers sometimes lose compassion for victims which change the way they write their reports. The officers may subconsciously develop a script with questions that will lead them away from long, time consuming reports. That is why it is important for women to know what information police officer's should include in their report.
Victims, emotionally and physically bruised, anxiously wait for the arrival of help in the police. Victims generally have to speak to a 911 operator before receiving help. Victims are often too distressed to remember anything. If it is safe to do so, victims should take a few seconds to gather their thoughts before dialing 911. The information that you provide the 911 operator can effect the attitudes of the responding officers and determine how quickly help arrives. Police officers become angry and frustrated when they are forced to handle calls uninformed. Victims should be prepared to answer the following questions:
What type of crime are you reporting?
Victims should tell the 911 operator that they are reporting domestic violence and then let the 911 operator determine if they meet the requirements. In most states, domestic violence is a higher priority call than a battery.
Was there a weapon involved?
The use of any object as a weapon can upgrade a domestic violence call to an assault with a deadly weapon call.
Is the suspect still at the location?
If the abuser is still around, then he is still a physical threat. A yes answer may make this a higher priority call. Also, responding officers need this information to prepare tactically.
What is the suspect's description?
Responding officers need the physical and clothing description of the abuser to prevent a surprise attack or ambush situation. If he has left the location, tell the operator which direction. This can prevent him from standing nearby, watching the police activity and then returning when they leave.
Making a police report:
Domestic violence crimes require the victim and abuser have a special relationship. Give your abuser a title such as: ex-husband, child's father, fiancee, live-in boyfriend/girl friend etc. This will help the officers determine if your crime meets the domestic violence requirements of the state you live in.
Don't just say, "He beat me!" Describe the event in detail and in chronological order. "My husband pushed me in the chest with both hands and then punched me in the nose with his right fist etc." Tell the officer why the abuser became angry i.e. "My husband came home drunk and I asked him where he had been..."
Show officers all scratches and bruises no matter how small or slightly visible. Internal pain such as sore ribs and dizziness should also be mentioned because it could later develop into a life threatening internal injury. Also bring to the officer's attention that your clothes were torn and hair pulled during the assault. Be sure to let the officers know if you are pregnant. There may be a possibility that additional charges could be added at a later date.
Sometimes witnesses are unable to wait around for the police to arrive. Their statements are very important. If witnesses have to leave the location before the police arrive, obtain their names, addresses and phone numbers were they can be contacted. Children are often the best witnesses. Tell the investigating officers if children were present during the incident. If they weren't, they still can testify to yelling or other sounds heard during the assault.
If applicable, advise the officers you have a restraining order on file against your abuser. Also, advise the investigating officer that you have made other reports against the abuser. Several reported incidents may constitute stalking.
Police officers play a large role in the deterrent of domestic violence. A thorough police report can make the difference in your life. Don't let anyone write you off as a human being.