Police Protocol in Cases of Domestic Violence

What 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.