The article reviews historical data, impetus for change, empirical studies on effectiveness, critiques of research paradigms, rationales and objections in relation to mandatory arrest policies, victim and offender characteristics that affect police response and alternative response for police intervention. The weight of the literature seems to suggest that mandatory arrest policies may not universally achieve positive goals. Moreover, some studies show that police agencies do not work effectively with other social welfare agencies. Police are not the solution to the problem of domestic violence. The most important thing a police officer can hope to accomplish, besides stopping the immediate danger, is to issue referrals and to create an awareness among both victims and offenders that there are people and agencies that can help. In addition, programs that allow police to have continued involvement and to involve social agencies, they may be able to prevent future acts of domestic violence. References