Police Protocol in Cases of Domestic Violence
From Peel Regional PoliceWhat police should do:
- Conduct a thorough investigation
- Advise victims that police will lay charges when reasonable grounds exist
- Advise that neither police nor victims can withdraw charges
- Obtain statements (Written/Videotaped)
- Take photographs (Scene/Injuries) when appropriate
- Gather evidence (Answering Machine Tapes/Notes/Etc)
- Obtain services of interpreters when needed
- Provide support for children when present
- Provide a Safety Plan when appropriate
- Provide information about available victim services
- Suggest another place of safety when concerns exist
- Remain until satisfied there is no further threat to victim
- Complete a Risk Assessment when charges are laid in cases of intimate relationships
- Where charges are not laid, give advice on Restraining Orders, Peace Bonds and how to contact shelters and Victim Services of Peel.
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