NCJ Number
84577
Date Published
1981
Length
30 pages
Annotation
This discussion of training police officers to intervene in domestic violence considers why officers and agencies resist such training, the importance of such training, and the conflict-management training course used for the British Columbia (Canada) police.
Abstract
Police resistance to training in the handling of domestic disputes comes from (1) job-related beliefs, values, and attitudes; (2) bureaucratic-managerial resistances within an agency; and (3) general societal beliefs, values, and attitudes. A new training program in domestic-conflict management should be attentive to changing both officer and agency attitudes toward intervention in domestic conflict. Family crisis intervention training is important because the public makes demands on the police to respond to such incidents, an escalation of violence can be prevented by appropriate police intervention, repeat calls can be reduced, and officer safety in dealing with domestic conflicts can be increased. The British Columbia training aims at giving all officers the requisite skills and attitudes appropriate for handling violent domestic disputes effectively. The course includes (1) the use of videotapes to show the correct and incorrect techniques for handling domestic conflicts, (2) instruction in communication skills and interview techniques, (3) the development of mediation skills, (4) guidelines for the identification of child abuse, (5) instruction in the origin and dynamics of prejudice and discrimination, and (6) critiqued student simulations of domestic assault interventions. Inservice evaluation has shown the training to be effective in changing officer attitudes and behavior, and departmental performance evaluation has reinforced the behaviors taught in training. Thirty-five references are listed.