U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government, Department of Justice.

NCJRS Virtual Library

The Virtual Library houses over 235,000 criminal justice resources, including all known OJP works.
Click here to search the NCJRS Virtual Library

Thorough DV (Domestic Violence) Investigation

NCJ Number
156794
Journal
Law Enforcement Quarterly Dated: (August-October 1995) Pages: 11-14
Author(s)
T Santana
Date Published
1995
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article provides detailed investigative guidelines for police officers in domestic violence cases, such that convictions can be obtained even when the victim fails to cooperate when the case comes to trial.
Abstract
In domestic violence cases, police officers should focus on evidence that a crime was committed and the identity and arrest of the perpetrator. Police officers are not responsible for nurturing or repairing problematic relationships. The investigation of domestic violence cases is as important as the investigation of any violent crime. Many perpetrators of such violence are serious, violent criminals who have a criminal history. A domestic violence conviction, which can be a felony, may assist toward a lengthy incarceration under a "three strikes" law. Further, investigations of domestic violence incidents should be sufficiently thorough to obtain convictions even when the victim does not cooperate. This involves obtaining statements immediately from apparent victims, defendants, and witnesses; taking photographs of injuries and the crime scene; obtaining information on relatives and friends, in the event the victim changes residences to avoid a subpoena; securing physical evidence that violence occurred; and obtaining statements from any medical personnel who treated the victim. When the responding officer believes the defendant is particularly dangerous, the officer should attempt to get a bail enhancement from a duty judge.