Response to Domestic Violence

Domestic violence calls are among the most dangerous for a police officer. Some departments have required officers to wait for backup before engaging the parties at the scene. These highly charged incidents have major effects on a person's ability to cope, and often will result in a crisis situation. They can lead to a violent confrontation between officers and subjects or between subjects.

In this Seminar, you will discuss the high volatility of domestic violence incidents and how to engage the parties, lower tension, and key signs officers should look for to determine risk. Why do departments require an officer to wait for backup before answering a domestic violence call? What should an officer look for in the situation to determine risk of violence and aggression?