NCJ Number
230560
Journal
Law Enforcement Technology Volume: 37 Issue: 3 Dated: March 2010 Pages: 8,10-12,14
Date Published
March 2010
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article discusses the Lethality Assessment Program (LAP), a two-pronged domestic violence intervention program.
Abstract
The Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence (MNADV) introduced the LAP model program to prevent domestic violence homicides and serious injury in Maryland. Currently, all Maryland law enforcement agencies that respond to calls for service use LAP along with additional agencies in Florida and Vermont who implemented LAP in 2009. The LAP has two parts: the lethality screen for first responders to identify victims with increased risk for homicide; and a protocol to refer victims to services, such as counseling and shelter. Officers initiate a lethality screen when an intimate relationship is involved and: an assault is believed to have occurred; officers have responded to calls involving the victim or location before; or an officer believes an assessment should be conducted. Using a checklist format, officers screen using 11 yes-or-no questions. After a victim has been identified as a high-danger victim, officers initiate the LAP protocol. Challenges to the program include the need for officer training and officer buy-in.