The Domestic Violence Unit is made up of a minimun of two officers, trained in the area of domestic violence investigation, law, victim sensitivity, the cycle of violence, and mandatory reporting laws.

The members of the DVU will follow-up on previously reported incidents with additional investigation to allow the court prosecutor to proceed with a case even when the victim has recanted or refused to cooperate. It is also important to try to intervene on a victims behalf to make them aware of all the resources available to help them extricate themselves from an escalating incidence of violence. It is the intention of the DVU to contact every reported victim initially by telephone or if necessary through the mail and where appropriate with a personal visit. With these goals in mind, the following process will be part of each victim contact:

• The detectives will document the type of offense, any injuries to the person or property, and seek additional charges if needed.
• Detectives will check for a history of abuse or previous similar incidents, the length and type of relationship, and history of police response to similar incidents in the past. They will also determine if the victim ever had a restraining order in the past.
• Evidence is gathered, including photographs of the injuries and property damage, and witnesses are interviewed.
• Investigators will determine if any children were present during the domestic violence. If so, a report will be filed with the Department of Social Services.
• The victim is explained the process of obtaining a restraining order (209A). They are informed of the nature of the 209A and the consequences for violations by a suspect.
• The victim is provided with referral information on HAWC (Help for Abused Women and Children), and information on the District Attorneys Office through the Victim Witness Advocates. The victim is informed that if a child witnessed the incident, it is mandatory for the police to report this information to the DSS.

As part of our goal of removing the stigma attached to the problem of domestic violence, we will attempt to create public awareness of this problem through public forums, the media, literature, and school teen dating violence programs.