A survey was developed and administered to 65 police officers to determine if they knew the law. Results indicate that a sizeable minority of officers did not know the conditions under which an arrest could have been made. Furthermore, more than a third of the officers did not know they can make a warrantless arrest in cases of domestic violence where the violation was not observed by the officer. And almost one in six believed that an arrest could not be made unless serious injury had transpired. Battered women are beginning to use the civil court to seek redress when they have been denied their constitutional right to equal protection. Police administrators may prevent such lawsuits by ensuring that their officers are appropriately trained as well as by developing and implementing effective departmental policies. 1 note and 20 references (Author abstract modified)