In 1993, the Portland Police Bureau created the Domestic Violence Reduction Unit (DVRU). Focusing on the misdemeanor domestic violence case, the mission of the unit is to reduce the overall level of domestic violence in the community through a program which provides follow-up investigation, interagency coordination, community education, and victim assistance. The program is an example of law enforcement’s efforts to move beyond arrest to interrupt the cycle of domestic violence crime by enhancing prosecution and by empowering victims. Formation of the DVRU was a direct result of a community policing policy requiring consultation with community groups in establishing police priorities and strategies as well as changing legal and cultural perspectives on domestic violence crimes. The article explores the development of the DVRU, its operation and its impact, and discusses its strengths and limitations after 5 years of experience. Figure, references, appendix