The policy of the Oakland Police Department is to respond to every domestic dispute call and to consider domestic violence as criminal conduct to be investigated like any other crime. Arrests will be made unless there are reasonable alternatives. In responding to domestic dispute calls, initial precautionary measures should be used when arriving at the scene, entering the premises, positioning oneself at the door, and entering the residence. Stages of police involvement in domestic violence and domestic disputes include the initial contact, criminal investigation and officer arrests, defusing, fact-finding, and selecting a course of action. Requests for removal of a party to the dispute may be done under a citizen's arrest, a temporary restraining order, or a trespassing charge. The police must understand the rights and responsibilities of parties to the dispute and be prepared to direct them to appropriate referral services. Referral sources are listed for dealing with marital problems, intoxication and alcoholism, physical and mental health problems, employment problems, money problems, juvenile crises, legal problems, and shelters.