Scene Safety and Response

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary goal when investigating a domestic violence incident?

To determine if the victim wants to press charges

To provide counseling services to the involved parties

To document the incident for statistical purposes

To identify the abuser and make an arrest (correct)

When comparing physical evidence to statements, what type of injuries would suggest self-defense?

Injuries on the stomach or arms

Injuries on the head or neck

Bruising or cuts on outer forearms, back, or backs of legs (correct)

Injuries on the face or chest

What is an example of economic abuse or dependency?

The abuser damaged the victim's favorite piece of furniture

The abuser took the victim's phone charger

The abuser took the only credit card, checkbook, or set of car keys (correct)

The abuser hid the victim's wallet

What is a characteristic of dating violence?

A dating relationship within the past six months Signup and view all the answers

Why is it essential to consider past incidents of violence?

To understand the pattern of abuse and intimidation Signup and view all the answers

What should you look for when investigating a domestic violence incident?

Broken doors or window locks, or a damaged cell phone Signup and view all the answers

What is not required to investigate, arrest, and charge in a domestic violence incident?

The victim's consent Signup and view all the answers

Why is it crucial to assess the verbal and non-verbal communication of involved persons?

To understand their emotional state and potential fearfulness Signup and view all the answers

What type of information should be provided to victims in the form of brochures or cards?

Local contact information for victims Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the Victims' Rights Brochure?

To inform victims of their rights and services available Signup and view all the answers

What is included in the Notice of Legal Rights and Remedies for Victims of Domestic Violence brochure?

Definitions of domestic violence and stalking Signup and view all the answers

At what stage of the investigation should the Victims' Rights Brochure be provided to the victim?

At the crime scene or during the investigation Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of documenting the distribution of Victims' Rights Brochures in the report?

To ensure compliance with the Florida Statutes Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the victim in the criminal or juvenile justice process?

To be informed, present, and heard during proceedings Signup and view all the answers

What type of information is exempt from public inspection according to the Notice of Legal Rights and Remedies for Victims of Domestic Violence brochure?

Victim information Signup and view all the answers

Who should victims contact for more information according to the Notice of Legal Rights and Remedies for Victims of Domestic Violence brochure?

The contact information provided in the brochure Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason to avoid standing directly in front of a door when approaching a scene?

To avoid a fatal funnel situation Signup and view all the answers

What should you do immediately after identifying yourself and stating the purpose of your visit?

Move to and maintain a position of advantage Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of scanning the room for hazards?

To identify possible weapons or hiding places Signup and view all the answers

What should you do when approaching a chaotic scene?

Ask witnesses or victims if there is anyone present who may have a weapon Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to turn down noise sources at a scene?

To improve communication and reduce tension Signup and view all the answers

What should you do with individuals who are sick, injured, or under the influence of drugs or alcohol?

Use first-aid skills to tend to their medical needs Signup and view all the answers

Why is it recommended to encourage involved persons to sit down?

To reduce their mobility and access to weapons or exits Signup and view all the answers

What should you do before encouraging involved persons to sit down?

Determine that there are no weapons in the area Signup and view all the answers

What is an officer's liability in a civil action for an arrest based on probable cause?

Not liable Signup and view all the answers

What is the initial focus of an officer when responding to a domestic violence incident?

Officer safety and de-escalating tensions Signup and view all the answers

What should an officer do if the victim and suspect refuse to provide adequate information?

Turn to witnesses, including children, who were present during the incident Signup and view all the answers

Why is physical evidence important in a domestic violence investigation?

It can help solve a case involving an uncooperative victim or witnesses Signup and view all the answers

When documenting evidence in a domestic violence incident, what should an officer do?

Photograph and document evidence carefully, or document the lack of evidence Signup and view all the answers

What should an officer do when arresting the abuser?

Tell the victim and the suspect why and where you are transporting the suspect Signup and view all the answers

What is required for an adult suspect arrested for an act of domestic violence?

The suspect must remain in custody until brought before the court for a bail determination Signup and view all the answers

What is required for the decision to investigate, arrest, and charge in a domestic violence incident?

No consent is required Signup and view all the answers

What must be verified by local law enforcement in a missing person case?

The vehicle and license plate information Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Florida Department of Elder Affairs in a missing person case?

To provide an email alert notification through the Aging Services Network Signup and view all the answers

What is a prerequisite for activating a Purple Alert?

The missing person's disappearance indicates a credible threat of immediate danger or serious bodily harm Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of a Purple Alert?

It aids in the rescue or recovery of missing adults with certain disabilities Signup and view all the answers

What is a step that law enforcement may take in a Purple Alert?

Notifying the media in the jurisdiction where the missing adult is believed to be located Signup and view all the answers

What is a resource that law enforcement may use in a missing person case?

MEPIC Signup and view all the answers

What is a requirement for activating a Purple Alert?

The missing person must have a mental or cognitive disability that is not Alzheimer's disease or dementia-related Signup and view all the answers

What may be used to aid in the rescue or recovery of a missing adult in a Purple Alert?

Dynamic messaging signs Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

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.

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Description

Learn the essential steps to ensure safety when approaching a scene, including identifying yourself, maintaining a position of advantage, and visually assessing the situation.