First on Scene: The Critical Role of Officers in Domestic Violence Interventions
Early in my law enforcement career, I responded to a domestic violence incident that left a lasting impression. The subject was a man standing over six feet six inches tall, clearly under the influence of some narcotic. Despite the presence of six other officers, the situation escalated quickly, and each of us sustained injuries before finally controlling the scene. It was a harsh introduction to the complexities and dangers of responding to domestic violence. This experience forced me to reevaluate how I prepared for these volatile encounters and how we, as professionals in public safety, can better support other front-line responders.
Domestic violence calls are not just common—they dominate police response in many jurisdictions. In some municipalities, they account for the largest single category of calls received by law enforcement agencies. A study by the National Institute of Justice found that intimate partner violence makes up a significant portion of police caseloads, placing enormous pressure on officers and the agencies that manage them1. These are not just routine calls. They are high-risk, emotionally charged, and often unpredictable. Around one-third of female homicide victims are killed by a current or former intimate partner2. Additionally, 22 percent of officer line-of-duty deaths in recent years have occurred during responses to domestic violence incidents3. These numbers are not merely statistics; they represent real people—both victims and officers.
It is encouraging that 95 percent of law enforcement agencies now have policies specific to domestic violence calls, and that 85 percent require specialized training for officers4. However, policies and training must be dynamic, responsive to community needs, and regularly evaluated through peer-reviewed research and performance metrics. Public safety leaders are in a unique position to ensure that such evaluations are not only conducted but acted upon.
A fundamental aspect of officer training is the classification of domestic violence calls as high-priority, potentially life-threatening situations. This approach is vital for ensuring timely and appropriate responses. Officers are trained to approach scenes cautiously, minimizing the use of lights and sirens to avoid alerting the aggressor and to better gauge the situation before engaging. These tactics are designed to improve safety for everyone involved, including bystanders. Municipal departments should continuously invest in training that reflects evolving best practices in this area. For example, a study published in the Journal of Interpersonal Violence emphasizes that careful scene management can significantly reduce injury rates for officers and victims alike5.
Dispatching two officers to domestic violence calls has become a best practice, though implementation can be inconsistent in rural or understaffed departments. From a management perspective, ensuring adequate staffing and strategically positioning officers to allow for rapid, dual-officer responses should be a top priority. Not only does this practice improve officer safety, but it also enhances the quality of investigation and support provided to the victim. A report by the Police Executive Research Forum found that departments sending multiple officers were more likely to identify and remove firearms, a key risk factor in fatal domestic incidents6.
On-scene protocols are equally important. Separating the victim and aggressor so each can speak freely without intimidation is a foundational tactic. Officers are also trained to look for signs of firearms and remove them when appropriate. In the aforementioned study of 358 agencies, 79 percent reported confiscating firearms during domestic calls, showing how critical this step is for preventing escalation6.
Evidence collection is another area where oversight can strengthen outcomes. Officers are often required to document injuries with photographs, collect witness statements, and generate comprehensive incident reports. Even in cases where no arrest is made, this documentation can prove essential in future investigations or legal proceedings. Managers should ensure their departments are equipped with the necessary tools—such as body-worn cameras, digital evidence management systems, and forensic photography training—to support thorough evidence collection.
Risk assessments are required by 42 percent of agencies to determine the likelihood of further harm to the victim and to guide safety planning6. These assessments often include questions about prior assaults, threats, access to firearms, and suicidal ideation by the aggressor. Municipal departments should consider adopting standardized, research-based assessment tools, such as the Danger Assessment developed by Dr. Jacquelyn Campbell, which has been validated through multiple peer-reviewed studies7.
Mandatory arrest policies are another area of contention within municipal management. While many agencies require arrests when there is clear evidence of assault or violation of a protection order, this approach is not without drawbacks. Some argue that mandatory arrest can give victims a temporary reprieve and an opportunity to seek help. Others suggest it may provoke further violence after the aggressor is released. Research published in Criminology & Public Policy indicates that mandatory arrest can deter some offenders but may also discourage victims from calling the police in the future if they fear unintended consequences8. Decision-makers must weigh these outcomes carefully, considering both empirical evidence and community feedback when shaping policy.
Victim-centered approaches are gaining traction, and municipal agencies should support these shifts. Training programs now emphasize understanding the psychological barriers victims face when reporting abuse. Officers are taught to recognize signs of coercive control, intimidation, and trauma responses. Departments like those in Nashville, where advocates work alongside officers, provide a model for integrating social services into emergency response protocols9. Managers should explore partnerships with local nonprofits and mental health professionals to replicate such initiatives.
Follow-up visits and providing victims with resource packets or direct referrals to shelters and counseling services are increasingly common. These actions can make a significant difference in a survivor’s decision to seek long-term help. Municipal departments should develop protocols that ensure continuity of care beyond the initial response. This might include assigning victim advocates within the department or coordinating with external organizations to maintain contact and offer support.
The information victims provide during a 911 call can be critical. Dispatchers should be trained to ask about prior incidents, access to weapons, and threats of harm. This information helps responding officers make informed decisions. Municipal managers should invest in dispatcher training programs that emphasize trauma-informed communication and risk assessment techniques.
While no system is perfect, progress is being made. A commitment to continuous improvement, informed by evidence-based practices and transparent evaluations, is essential. Municipal managers must recognize their role in shaping policy, allocating resources, and fostering a culture that prioritizes safety and compassion. By doing so, they not only protect the public but also support the officers who put themselves in harm’s way to serve their communities.
Bibliography
Johnson, Michael P., and Kathleen J. Ferraro. "Research on Domestic Violence in the 1990s: Making Distinctions." Journal of Marriage and Family 62, no. 4 (2000): 948–963.
Petrosky, Emiko, Janet M. Blair, Carter J. Betz, Katherine A. Fowler, Shane P.D. Jack, and James A. Lyons. "Racial and Ethnic Differences in Homicides of Adult Women and the Role of Intimate Partner Violence — United States, 2003–2014." Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report 66, no. 28 (2017): 741–746.
Violanti, John M., Michael E. Andrew, Charles Andrew Burchfiel, Claudine M. Charles, and Desta Fekedulegn. "Police Organizational Stressors and Health: A Multilevel Examination." Policing: An International Journal of Police Strategies & Management 36, no. 3 (2013): 615–635.
Reaves, Brian A. "Local Police Departments, 2013: Personnel, Policies, and Practices." Washington, DC: Bureau of Justice Statistics, 2015.
Roberts, Albert R. "Police Responses to Battered Women: Past, Present, and Future." The Future of Children 9, no. 1 (1999): 84–96.
Police Executive Research Forum. "Police and Domestic Violence: A National Study of Policies and Practices." Washington, DC: PERF, 2016.
Campbell, Jacquelyn C. "Risk Factors for Femicide in Abusive Relationships: Results from a Multisite Case Control Study." American Journal of Public Health 93, no. 7 (2003): 1089–1097.
Maxwell, Christopher D., Joel H. Garner, and Jeffrey A. Fagan. "The Effects of Arrest on Intimate Partner Violence: New Evidence from the Spouse Assault Replication Program." Criminology & Public Policy 1, no. 3 (2002): 389–412.
Wynn, Mark. "Domestic Violence From an Officer’s Perspective." In Police Chief Magazine, International Association of Chiefs of Police, 2018.