Experts estimate that family violence accounts for more than 40 percent of all violent crime calls. They also recommend that police handle domestic assault as they would any other crime. Thus, police should do the investigation, collect the evidence, conduct the interviews, be compassionate and sensitive but detached, and work in a coordinated approach with other agencies to make sure that everyone receives what they need. A seamless response means that each portion of the continuum for delivering victim services is aware of where hand offs occur in the service system and fully understands their role in the system. Many police agencies are training police officers specifically in family violence and are establishing special units when they are deemed necessary. The police officer's attitude toward family violence is also crucial to an effective response. Experts also agree that the incidence of family violence is higher in police officers' families than in the general population. Thus, concern exists that police officers who verbally or physically abuse their spouses or children are less likely to investigate cases actively. The availability of police handguns also means that violence in police families can easily escalate to deadly violence. Police agencies differ in how they approach violence in police families, but agencies are admitting the problem and the need to address it. The Chicago Police Department has a model program for police officers who are abusers; it includes counseling and written guidelines. Photograph