The bulletin reviews the history and background of police response to family violence. Fifty of the largest law enforcement agencies in Texas were surveyed regarding actual or estimated number of family violence incidents that resulted in written reports and the number of family violence-related homicides for 1996, 1997, and 1998. In addition, the agencies were asked to report their use of victim's advocates, their use of "no drop" policies or alternative procedures and enforcement of protective orders. Fifteen of the departments that responded to the survey had family violence units and those departments were asked to discuss personnel training and funding issues. The survey also asked about departmental policies concerning officers who are victims or perpetrators of family violence. Family violence units that support victims, provide education for officer response and increase community awareness can reduce the number of family violence incidents, conserve department resources, reduce future violent behavior and make the community a safer place to live. Figures, tables, references, cases cited