Scene Safety and Response

Scene Safety

• When approaching a building, avoid standing directly in front of the door to avoid a fatal funnel situation.
• Identify yourself and state the purpose of your visit.
• Move to a position of advantage, where you cannot be attacked from behind.
• Stay out of doorways and visually assess the scene, noting the number of people present, their hands, body language, and facial expressions.
• Scan the room for hazards, such as possible weapons, dangerous pets, or hiding places.

Approaching a Chaotic Scene

• Deal with immediate threats first.
• Use communication techniques to calm the situation and maintain control.
• Keep in mind that no two incidents are alike and each may require a distinct response.
• Turn down noise sources, such as music systems and televisions, and ask bystanders to step away.
• Once the scene is calm, determine if anyone is sick, injured, or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Use first-aid skills to tend to any medical needs and consider requesting additional assistance from EMS.

Victims' Rights and Services

• Victims of crime must be given a Victims' Rights Brochure or information card at the crime scene or during the investigation.
• The brochure provides information on:
  • Crime victim compensation
  • Crisis intervention services, bereavement counseling, and social service support referrals
  • The role of the victim in the criminal or juvenile justice process
  • The stages of the criminal or juvenile justice process
  • The right of the victim to be informed, present, and heard during criminal or juvenile justice proceedings
• Victims of domestic violence must also receive a Notice of Legal Rights and Remedies for Victims of Domestic Violence brochure.

Identifying the Abuser

• Consider the following factors to help identify the abuser and make an arrest:
  • Compare physical evidence to statements
  • Compare injuries to statements
  • Assess verbal and non-verbal communication of the involved persons
  • Consider past incidents of violence
  • Consider violent physical acts, such as damaged property or injured animals
  • Determine if the suspect has destroyed any security or surveillance devices
  • Look for red flags of economic abuse or dependency

Dating Violence

• Dating violence is violence between people who have or have had a continuing and significant relationship of a romantic or intimate nature.
• The decision to investigate, arrest, and charge does not require the victim's consent.

Responding to a Domestic Violence Incident

• Follow the basic investigative sequence:
  • Officer safety
  • De-escalating tensions between the people involved
  • Gathering details from the victim and suspect
• Document evidence carefully, including photographs of physical injuries and property damage.
• Physical evidence can help solve a case involving an uncooperative victim or witnesses.

Documenting Evidence

• Photograph and document evidence carefully, including physical injuries and property damage.
• Document the lack of evidence if necessary.
• Return to the scene in 24 to 48 hours to document or collect more evidence or information if necessary.

Arresting the Abuser

• If the abuser is arrested, inform the victim and the suspect why and where they are being transported.
• An adult suspect arrested for an act of domestic violence must remain in custody until brought before the court for a bail determination.