SFG 1_pages 17.docx

**TITLE** **TABLE OF DOCUMENT DETAILS** +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | Title | | +===================================+===================================+ | Reference No...

**TITLE** **TABLE OF DOCUMENT DETAILS** +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | Title | | +===================================+===================================+ | Reference No | | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | Relevant Department or Group | | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | Ownership | | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | Document Author | | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | Approved by | | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | Approval Date | | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | Implementation Date | | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | To be Reviewed Date | | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | Last Revised Date | | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | Quality Assured by | | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | Protective Marking | | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | Linked to other | | | | | | Standing Order | | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | Relevant Legislation | | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ | Pages | | | | | | (including this page) | | +-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+ **TABLE OF CONTENTS** [Chief Constable Policy Statement] [Page 01](#ChiefConstablePolicyStatement) [Section 1](#ChiefConstablePolicyStatement) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------- [Introduction] [Page 01](#section1appendix5) [Section 2](#section1appendix5) [Handling Of Cases Of Acts of Violence In The Family] [Page 01](#section2appendix5) [Section 3](#section2appendix5) [Direct Response] [Page 02](#section23appendix5) [Section 3.3](#section23appendix5) [[Visit at the Scene]](#section24appendix5) [Page 02](#section24appendix5) [Section 3.4](#section24appendix5) [[Medical Examination]](#section25appendix5) [Page 02](#section25appendix5) [Section 3.5](#section25appendix5) [[Use of Female Photographers]](#section26appendix5) [Page 03](#section26appendix5) [Section 3.6](#section26appendix5) [[Social Welfare Service Office]](#section27appendix5) [Page 03](#section27appendix5) [Section 3.7](#section27appendix5) [[Recording of Statement]](#section28appendix5) [Page 04](#section28appendix5) [Section 3.8](#section28appendix5) [[Confidentiality]](#section29appendix5) [Page 05](#section29appendix5) [Section 3.9](#section29appendix5) [[Referral To Specialists ]](#section210appendix5) [Page 05](#section210appendix5) [Section 3.10](#section210appendix5) [[Family Liaison Officers]](#section211appendix5) [Page 05](#section211appendix5) [Section 3.11](#section211appendix5) [[The Role of Police Coordinator]](#section3appendix5) [Page 06](#section3appendix5) [Section 4](#section3appendix5) [[Code of Practice]](#section4appendix5) [Page 06](#section4appendix5) [Section 5](#section4appendix5) [[Rules For The Taking of Visually Recorded Evidence]](#section5appendix5) [Page 08](#section5appendix5) [Section 6](#section5appendix5) [[Investigative Guidelines ]](#section6appendix5) [Page 10](#section6appendix5) [Section 7](#section6appendix5) [[Initial Enquiries]](#section61appendix5) [Page 10](#section61appendix5) [Section 7.1](#section61appendix5) [[Interview of Victims or Witnesses]](#section62appendix5) [Page 11](#section62appendix5) [Section 7.2](#section62appendix5) [[Medical Examination of Victim and Suspect]](#section63appendix5) [Page 11](#section63appendix5) [Section 7.3](#section63appendix5) [[Use of Expert Psychologist ]](#section64appendix5) [Page 12](#section64appendix5) [Section 7.4](#section64appendix5) [[Zero Tolerance -- Prosecution Policy ]](#section65appendix5) [Page 12](#section65appendix5) [Section 7.5](#section65appendix5) [[Guidance on Visually Recorded Interview Short Descriptive Notes Form]](#section7appendix5) [Page 13](#section7appendix5) [Section 8](#section7appendix5) [[Abbreviations and Glossary]](#abbreviationsandglossary) [Page 15](#abbreviationsandglossary) **1. Chief Constable Policy Statement** **2.** **Introduction** 2.1 The aim of this Policy is to provide guidance and direction to Police Officers on the procedure to be followed when handling any incident of domestic violence or child abuse. 2.2 The SBA Police are dedicated to a "victim centred" approach, therefore should be in a position to protect the rights of victims. To safeguard this, a system should be in place, providing for the preservation of evidence and treatment of the victims, in the way they have a right to be treated. 2.3 This Policy should be read in conjunction with: **3. Handling Of Cases Of Acts of Violence In The Family** 3.1 Police Officers undertaking the investigation of cases of [DV](#DV) must show increased patience and sensitivity and display impeccable behaviour. The victims should be treated with tact, impartiality, respect and understanding. Victims of such crimes are in need of emotional support and sympathy, respect of their privacy and non-judgemental attitudes. The Police approach should be sympathetic to the needs of the victim taking into account that the victim is suffering from the trauma of the incident as well as the anxiety of how she/he will be treated by the Police, the relevant experts (medical examination) and the Court proceedings. Police practice therefore should not continue to cause trauma to the victims. If the approach by the Police is not appropriate, then the whole experience may be considered as a new ordeal, worse than the abuse, itself. 3.2 When a complaint is lodged in relation to cases of acts of violence occurring in a family, the following procedure should be followed. 3.3 **[Direct Response]** 3.3.1 When a victim of an act of family violence arrives at the Police station, the [Duty Officer](#DutyOfficer) must give priority to such case in accordance with the seriousness of each case and arrange escort of the victim to a room allowing privacy. 3.3.2 The Police Officer obtaining the first complaint, preferably of the same sex as the victim, should do so in a professional, tactful and sympathetic manner. At this stage the Domestic Violence/ Child Abuse Incident Report Form (SBAP/CR/15) must be completed and forwarded as soon as possible to the officer, who will be appointed to obtain the statement from the victim. 3.3.4 The Divisional [DS](#DS) shall act as the Police Coordinator of the investigation, and should be immediately notified. An [I.O](#IO). should be appointed and a decision should be made whether the statement will be taken in writing or will be visually obtained. If the decision is taken, according to the circumstances of the case, for visually recorded evidence to be obtained, then a properly trained officer (see list of Visually Recorded Interviews Trained Officers) of the same sex as the victim, should be called to undertake recording of the statement. []{#section24appendix5.anchor}3.4 **[Visit At The Scene]** []{#section25appendix5.anchor}**3.5 [Medical Examination]** 3.5.1 In all cases where it is established that a victim has suffered any kind of physical abuse, or that the case involves use of violence, the Duty Officer should make immediate arrangements for medical examination of the victim. Depending on the nature and extend of the victim's injuries the examination may be carried out by a Forensic Pathologist or a General Surgeon. Consideration should be taken in cases where there are reasons dictating for the victim to be examined by a medical practitioner of the same sex. A person believed to be the victim of sexual abuse should at all times, be medically examined by a Pathologist, as soon as possible, after the offence is reported. The consent of the victim is required prior to such examination and at the request of the victim, a relative, friend or other person will be allowed to be present during the medical examination. For details regarding call out of Medical Experts see [Section 6.6 of S.O CR 3.](https://modgovuk.sharepoint.com/:w:/r/teams/25468/STANDING%20ORDERS%202023/Standing%20Orders%202023%20onward/CRIME%20INTELLIGENCE%20SAFEGUARDING/CRIME/CR%203%20.docx?d=wd0c949abeee14773a0ef23a8b65b3048&csf=1&web=1&e=7C5wpp) If the victim of sexual abuse is a **MINOR** then the examination can take place in the examination room of 'Spiti tou paidiou', at Nicosia where also the video recording will take place. *(during the VRS a social worker and a psychologist will watch the procedure from the room next door).* 3.5.2 In all cases where the victim is a [minor](#MINOR), the District Social Welfare Services Office or SSAFA (see call out list of Welfare Office & SBA Family Cousellors) as the case may be, must be notified. Parents must be reassured in order to secure their collaboration and cooperative approach. The presence of a parent must not be expedient if a parent is the possible perpetrator or if the child has any inhibitions or feels embarrassed. 3.5.3 The consent of a parent who has the parental care of a minor is not required where in the opinion of the Family Counsellor there are reasonable suspicions that the minor has been abused by the person who has the parental care. In all such cases the [AGLA](#AGLA) must be informed in writing about the fact, prior to the medical examination or if this is not possible, immediately thereafter and in any event not later than three (3) days after such examination has taken place. []{#section26appendix5.anchor}**3.6 [Use of Female Photographers]** []{#section27appendix5.anchor}**3.7 [Social Welfare Services Office]** 3.7.1 When a complaint is lodged concerning a serious case of an act of DV or child abuse, the District Social Welfare Services Office or SSAFA, as the case may be, must be formally notified. All available details should be reported in the appropriate Notification to Welfare Department Form (SBAP/CR/16) and faxed to the office concerned. Furthermore, the Welfare Officer on call should be contacted and briefed accordingly. 3.7.3 Service and local welfare departments have their own procedures and rules. Each welfare officer has his/her own area of responsibility and call out should be through the District Welfare Office call out list. 3.7.4 Where necessary, a meeting should be arranged with the District Family Counsellor to discuss ways of investigating the incident. An evaluation of the facts of the case and any measures needed to be taken for the protection and safety of the victim(s) should be discussed and agreed. []{#section28appendix5.anchor}**3.8 [Recording Of Statement]** 3.8.1 Ordinance 21/2003 makes provision for visually recorded statements. When a decision is made for such statement to be obtained, the [CJPU](#CJPU) sensitive suite at RAF or the SBA Police suit at Bowman Building Dhekelia, which are specially arranged and equipped with machinery for the visual recording of statements, should be used. CJPU should be informed as soon as a decision is made for the use of their facilities. There is also the portable camera which can be used (if the CJPU sensitive suite at RAF or the SBA Police suit at Bowman Building Dhekelia are not available). 3.8.2 In all cases where it is judged that visual recording of a victim's statement must be obtained, then this shall be taken by a Police Officer of the same sex as the victim, specially trained for the taking of such statements (see list of Visually Recorded Interviews Trained Officers). The visually recorded statement that will be performed in relation to offences contrary to **Violence in the family Ordinance,** can be performed by a Police Officer of the **opposite sex**, if the victim or the person giving consent (*in a case of a minor*) so requests (*Section 9 of violence in the* *Family Ordinance*) In case of sexual related offences the Police officer will **[ALWAYS]** be of the same sex with the victim. 3.8.3 The recording of such statements should be made in accordance and comply with the rules set out in **Ordinance 21/2003 Sections 10 and 11**. The Code of Good Practice below and in particular the Rules for Visually Recorded Evidence as detailed in Section 4 of this policy should also be applied in full. 3.8.4 For the purpose of facilitating the prosecutors from AGLA's Office and Police Supervisors perusing the case file in order to approve prosecution, remand, etc, a Visually Recorded Interview Descriptive Notes (SDNs) Form (SBAP/INV07) should be filled in by the operator of the visual recording apparatus, at the time of the interview. Only key issues should be included relevant to the investigation in hand including counter meter readings. The main purpose of Visually Recorded Interview SDNs is explained in detail in Section 7 below. 3.8.5 When the circumstances of the case so dictate, such statements should be taken in the presence of the Family Counsellor or any other person of the preference of the victim. []{#section29appendix5.anchor}**3.9 [Confidentiality]** 3.9.1 The content of any dialog between a Police Officer and a victim of an act of DV is of a confidential nature and must not constitute a subject for public discussion. 3.9.2 It is prohibited by Law to reveal the identity of the victim, complainant or [accused](#ACCISED) as well as giving, receiving or publishing copies of evidence to any person not connected with the investigation. (Refer to Sections 28 and 29 of Ordinance 21/2003) []{#section210appendix5.anchor}**3.10 [Referral to Specialists]** 3.10.1 Given the existence of competent specialized services manned by professionals and persons specially trained in the field of psychological support, the Police Officer involved in the case, shall not intervene in the work of and shall not assume the role of a Psychologist, Family Counsellor, Social Worker or Mediator and shall refer the victim to the specialists. Directions for utilization of medical experts are provided in the Benchmark for Investigative Standards and Related Considerations ([Section 6.6 OF S.O CR 3](https://modgovuk.sharepoint.com/:w:/r/teams/25468/STANDING%20ORDERS%202023/Standing%20Orders%202023%20onward/CRIME%20INTELLIGENCE%20SAFEGUARDING/CRIME/CR%203%20.docx?d=wd0c949abeee14773a0ef23a8b65b3048&csf=1&web=1&e=7C5wpp)). 3.10.2 The Police Officer may inform the victim of the existence of the Association for the Prevention and Combating of Violence in the Family, which operates on a special telephone line No. 1440, (4435 for UK dependent), to give psychological support and assistance to victims. The Association for the prevention and Combating of Violence in the Family **(ΣΠΑΒΟ),** which operates on 1440 gives not only psychological support but also can provide shelter, food etc for the victim.(Paphos, Limassol). []{#section211appendix5.anchor}**3.11 [Family Liaison Officers]** **4. The Role Of The Police Coordinator** **5. Code of Good Practice** 5.1 When a complaint is lodged in relation to cases of acts of DV or child abuse, all the particulars of the parties involved and details of the incident must be completed on the Domestic Violence/ Child abuse Incident Report Form (SBAP/CR/15). The form must be initiated by the officer obtaining the first complaint and forwarded as soon as possible to the officer, who will be appointed to obtain the statement of the victim, for information. The Domestic Violence/ Child abuse Incident Form must be completed in full by the I.O. of the case and included in the case file. 2. When a decision is made for a visually recorded statement to be obtained from the victim, then this should be obtained by a specially trained officer of the same sex as the victim, in compliance with the relevant rules found in Section 5 below. 3. Victims of violence must be conveyed at the "Sensitive Suite" for victims of violence established at RAF Akrotiri and Dhekelia Garrison, which are equipped with all the necessary facilities for the purpose of obtaining video recorded statements. The "sensitive suite" of CJPU at RAF Akrotiri can be reserved through CJPU, subject to fair notification. 4. Legal advice must be sought from the [SCC](#SCC) when a domestic violence case appears to be complex and will require extensive enquiries. 5. Any person arrested under a warrant in relation to a domestic violence case, should be brought before the Court within 24 hours of his/her arrest, for the purpose of being charged or for a remand order to be made (Section 15 (2), Ordinance 21 of 2003). 6. The protection of the victim and other family members shall be taken into consideration and if the circumstances of the case so dictate, the Court may upon deciding to release a person impose any conditions for the purpose of protecting other family members, including a condition that he/she shall not visit or harass any member of his/her family. (Section 15 (3), Ordinance 21 of 2003) 7. The I.O. may if the circumstances of the case so dictate make an application before the Court for an interim order to be made, excluding from the family residence a person suspected of committing an act of violence, or remove there from a minor alleged to have been the victim of an act of violence, to a place of safety. (Section 22 (1), Ordinance 21 of 2003). 8. No person arrested upon the powers of the police to arrest without warrant for a domestic violence offence with a reasonable prospect of prosecution/conviction will be released on Bail conditions, unless the prior approval of the Police coordinator is obtained. 9. A Welfare Officer feedback report should be obtained for all DV cases which fit the criteria for prosecution. As a matter of practice, the opinion of the Welfare Office/Family Counsellor shall be sought before prosecuting a domestic violence case before the Court. 10. Any investigations into an alleged act of violence as defined in the Ordinance 21/2003, shall be carried out without any delay and if the case fits the criteria for prosecution, it shall be filed and brought to trial as speedily as possible following the completion of the investigation. (Section 15 (3), Ordinance 21 of 2003). 11. It is the responsibility of Divisional [CJU](#CJU) Sergeants in liaison with the AGLA's office to inform the Senior Court Registrar, of the intention of the Police to prosecute a domestic violence case which will require special arrangement on behalf of the Court such as partitions, equipment for visually recorded evidence or any other means or systems, so that the witnesses and the accused are not visible to each other during trial. 12. Section 7 (Recognition of Advisory Committee) and 8 (Multi-disciplines team) of the Violence in the Family ordinance shall not affect or apply to any act, conduct or omission of or by any member of any Force of the United Kingdom, or any member of a civilian component of such a Force or any dependent of any member of such a Force or civilian component as those terms are defined by paragraph 1(a)(i), (b) and (d) respectively of section 1 of Annex C to the Treaty of Establishment. (Sections 7,8,30 of The Violence in the family 2003). **6. Rules For The Taking Of Visually Recorded Evidence** 1. Before recording any evidence on video the specially trained officer appointed to record the statement shall first prepare a statement in writing to be signed by the victim/witness in which the victim/witness will give his consent for a visually recorded statement to be obtained. 2. The said statement could be along the following lines: 6.3 Once the above statement is obtained the specially trained officer shall proceed with the taking of the visually recorded statement. Before the commencement of the recording of the evidence from the victim/witness the officer must state on video the following: Wording to be used could be as follows: 6.4 The contents of the visual recording shall relate only to the act of violence8 under investigation. 6.5 On completion of the visual recording the specially trained officer shall state the time the recording of the evidence was concluded. 6.6 The DVD with the video recorded evidence must be sealed and marked as exhibit by the officer operating the video recording equipment. 6.7 The recorder provides 3 DVDs, one of which we seize as an exhibit. The other two are kept with the I.O (for transcript etc). 6.8 A typed transcript of all spoken words recorded on the sound track of the visual recording shall be included in the investigation docket and produced in Court. 6.9 The officer operating the video recording equipment should prepare a statement of evidence as outlined below: **I am the above named and I am stationed at the SBA Police station (Dhekelia/Akrotiri), currently attached to (CID). On (date) at (time) hrs, I was informed by (rank and name), about a case of Domestic Violence, in that one (name) of (address) called at the SBA Police station (Dhekelia/Akrotiri) and reported that (he/she) was (nature of offence). Upon this, on (date) between (time) and (time) hrs, at the Sensitive Suite within (Dhekelia/Akrotiri Garrison), I assisted (rank and name) in obtaining a Video Recorded Statement from (name) of (address). I handled the video recorded equipment, which is set up in a separate room from the interview room where (rank and name) and the victim were. Prior the commencement of the interview, I turned the visual recorded interview recorder on. I then took 3 unused DVD's and placed them in the respected slot of the equipment. On commencement of the interview I pressed the "Record" button and I was monitoring the interview procedure carried out by (rank and name). On conclusion of the interview, I simultaneously pressed the video and audio "Stop" buttons. I then pressed the "Eject" button and the three DVD's ejected from the slots. I placed them in their boxes and I then sealed them with an exhibit label each. I seized one as an exhibit (Master Copy) and the other were marked as Woking Copies. On (date) I recorded the Master Copy as Exhibit No (000/2019 MP1).** **7. Investigative Guidelines** []{#section61appendix5.anchor}**7.1** **[Initial Enquiries]** 7.1.1 On receiving information concerning a case of DV or Child Abuse, the [DCM](#DCM) and the Deputy DCM, should be immediately informed. The first should undertake lead of the investigation and coordinate and direct all subsequent enquiries. 7.1.2 The practice of delaying the investigation until a statement of complaint is received should not apply for these cases. All fast track actions should be taken, including taking of statements from any possible witnesses, even though a complaint has not been recorded yet. The inhabitants of any house in the neighbourhood should be seen and relevant statements should be obtained. (Have they heard or seen anything in respect of this particular cases? Have they witnessed any other relevant incidents in the past? Do they know anything about the relationship of the parties involved in the case?) 7.1.3 In consultation with the DCM, the investigating officer should consider all available evidence and circumstances surrounding the case and carry out a risk assessment, by filling in the form (Cypol form). In all cases a decision should be made whether there is a serious risk to the victim for further abuse and the possibility of an Interim -- Exclusion Order should be considered. A Relevant entry should be made in the [DOA](#DOA) of the Case, which should be countersigned by the respective [DDCM](#DDCM) as soon as possible. In case of a positive decision, the SCC should be informed through the DCM, for further action. []{#section62appendix5.anchor}**7.2** **[Interview of Victims or Witnesses]** 7.2.1 The interview of an alleged victim or witness may be visually recorded, expect in the instances mentioned below which are **[OBLIGATORY]** 7.2.2 The interview should not be restricted to the actual incident that triggers the report and the interviewer should check for any history of violence. In that case, the Victim/ Witness should be probed so that as much information about any previous incidents is included. There is no actual need for the interviewee to remember and state the exact date on which the said past incidents took place. Statements like "it was on a Saturday during last summer" or "it was a few days after last Christmas" etc. would suffice. 7.2.3 The interviewer should seek to get as much information as possible regarding any medical treatment the victim received following those past incident. 7.2.4 Particular emphasis should be paid to include information for any "first Complaint" made. When was made, where the conversation took place, to whom it was made, why the victim spoke to this particular person, what was actually said by the victim to this other person etc. If no first complain was made, then victim should be asked to state why she/he did not do so. []{#section63appendix5.anchor}**7.3** **[Medical Examination Of Victim and Suspect]** 7.3.1 Once there is evidence or indications that the case involves use of violence, arrangements should be made for the victim to be medically examined. The investigating officer on the advice of the Detective Sergeant or Detective Inspector, should decide whether there are reasons for the victim to be examined by a medical practitioner of the same sex. Directions regarding examination of victims are detailed in [Section 6 para 6.6 of S.O CR 3](https://modgovuk.sharepoint.com/:w:/r/teams/25468/STANDING%20ORDERS%202023/Standing%20Orders%202023%20onward/CRIME%20INTELLIGENCE%20SAFEGUARDING/CRIME/CR%203%20.docx?d=wd0c949abeee14773a0ef23a8b65b3048&csf=1&web=1&e=7C5wpp) Benchmark for Investigative Standards and Related Considerations. 7.3.2 The Forensic Pathologist should be briefed by the I.O. prior to the commencement of the examination, and should be requested to look into certain issues relating to the case. The Forensic Pathologist should be asked to check and state in his relevant report whether his findings (injuries) coincide or not with the allegations made, or whether the injuries observed could have been inflicted or not by means of any instruments mentioned to by the victim or witnesses, or any other instrument. []{#section64appendix5.anchor}**7.4** **[Use Of Expert Psychologist]** 7.4.1 When the services of a Psychologist are necessary, then appropriate selection should be made, depending upon the circumstances of the case and the victim involved. In all cases involving minors, a Child Psychologist should be used. Particular attention should be paid to the provisions of section 3(3) of the Violence within the Family Ordinance 21/2003. Directions regarding utilization of Medical Experts are found in [sub-section 6.6 of S.O CR 3](https://modgovuk.sharepoint.com/:w:/r/teams/25468/STANDING%20ORDERS%202023/Standing%20Orders%202023%20onward/CRIME%20INTELLIGENCE%20SAFEGUARDING/CRIME/CR%203%20.docx?d=wd0c949abeee14773a0ef23a8b65b3048&csf=1&web=1&e=7C5wpp), Benchmark for Investigative Standards and Related Considerations. 7.4.2 Whenever the incident under investigation involves a minor, then a relevant opinion should be obtained from a Child Psychologist, who after will be informed of the relevant evidence available, should be asked to state in writing whether the alleged incident was "capable of causing the minor mental harm". []{#section65appendix5.anchor}**7.5** **[Zero Tolerance -- Prosecution Policy]** **8. Guidance On Visually Recorded Interview Short Descriptive Notes Form (SDNs)** [Short Descriptive Notes (SDNs)] SBA/P/INV/07 i\) The main purpose of SDNs is: - - - - - **Abbreviations and Glossary** []{#ACCISED.anchor} ***Accused:** Is a person formally charged by the police in relation to a criminal offence or charged before the SBA Court of such an offence.* []{#AGLA.anchor}***AGLA:** The Attorney General & Legal Adviser of SBA Administration.* []{#CJU.anchor}***CJU:** Criminal Justice Unit.* []{#CJPU.anchor}***CJPU:** Cyprus Joint Police Unit. The military Police of the British Forces in Cyprus.* []{#DCM.anchor}***DCM:** Divisional Crime Manager. Divisional Detective Inspector in-charge of CID.* []{#DDCM.anchor}***DDCM:** Deputy Divisional Crime Manager. Divisional CID Sergeant.* []{#DOA.anchor}***DOA:** Diary of Action Taken. An electronic or Manual Record of actions taken in respect of a case or an incident under investigation.* []{#DutyOfficer.anchor}***Duty Officer:** The on-duty supervisor (Inspector or Sergeant) commissioned to be in-charge of a Police STATION for a specified tour of duty.* []{#DS.anchor}***DS:** Detective Sergeant.* []{#DV.anchor}***DV:** Domestic Violence. Offences against the provisions of the Violence in the Family Ordinance 21/2003.* []{#FLC.anchor}***FLC:** Family Liaison Coordinator. An officer (usually the DS HQ) appointed to coordinate deployment of Family Liaison Officers.* []{#FLO.anchor}***FLO:** Family Liaison Officer.* []{#IO.anchor}***I.O.:** Investigating Officer. The appointed officer in-charge of a Police Investigation.* []{#MINOR.anchor}***Minor:** For the purpose of Violence in the Family Ordiance 21/2003, minor means a person under the age of 18.* []{#SCC.anchor}***SCC:** Senior Crown Counsel SBA Administration.* ***SOCO:** Scene of Crime Officer. Specially trained officer to attend and examine scenes of crime and locate/establish, secure and gather relevant evidence.*