human
What are the police protocols for responding to domestic calls?
assistant
Police protocols for responding to domestic calls involve dispatching officers to the scene of the call as quickly as possible. Officers are expected to assess the situation and take appropriate action while keeping the safety of everyone involved in mind.2 When officers arrive at the scene, they should assess the situation, identify any immediate risks to safety and collect evidence that may be present.3 It is also important that officers on the scene are aware of the rights and responsibilities of everyone in the home, including each other, any children that may be present and the person responsible for creating the problem. 4 Officers should also try to de-escalate the situation as much as possible, attempt to resolve the dispute without resorting to arrest or any other form of legal action, and provide any victims with resources or referrals for medical or psychological treatment as needed.5 If a victim requires medical attention, the officers should coordinate with medical personnel on scene to ensure that the victim is adequately taken care of.6 Before the officers leave the scene, they should ensure that any necessary paperwork is filled out and that the victim’s safety is taken into consideration if the perpetrator is arrested and/or the victim's home is entered without consent. Proactive measures should also be taken to ensure that further domestic disputes are prevented.