VIOLENCE, LIKE CHARITY, BEGINS AT HOME

• NCJ Number: 192
• Journal: New York Times Magazine Dated: (NOVEMBER 24, 1968)
• Author(s): R SULLIVAN
• Date Published: 1968
• Length: 8 pages
• Grant Number(s): OLEA-157
• Sponsoring Agency: US Dept of Justice
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

AN EXPERIMENTAL POLICE UNIT WITH SPECIAL TRAINING BREAKS UP FAMILY DISPUTES WITHOUT VIOLENCE.

Abstract

INTERVENTION IN FAMILY FIGHTS IS REGARDED AS A THANKLESS JOB THAT POSES POSSIBLE CHARGES OF POLICE BRUTALITY WITH LITTLE PROMISE OF REWARD. AN EXPERIMENTAL NEW YORK CITY POLICE UNIT OF 18 VOLUNTEERS WAS TRAINED IN PSYCHOLOGY, AND RELATED FIELDS, TO HANDLE FAMILY CRISIS PROBLEMS. AFTER 15 MONTHS OF OPERATION, NONE OF THE POLICE IN THE UNIT HAD A SINGLE INJURY OR A FATALITY. THERE HAVE BEEN NO CHARGES OF POLICE BRUTALITY IN AN AREA WHERE SUCH ACCUSATIONS ARE COMMONPLACE. NONE OF THESE INTERVENTIONS HAS RESULTED IN EITHER A HOMICIDE OR SUICIDE. THE APPARENT SUCCESS OF THE UNIT WILL HAVE AN IMPACT ON THE WAY POLICEMEN ARE MOTIVATED, TRAINED AND REWARDED BY THEIR DEPARTMENTS. MAJOR PART OF REPORT DEALS WITH TYPICAL CASES OF FAMILY DISTURBANCES, DISPUTES AND MINORITY PROBLEMS AS HANDLED BY THE EXPERIMENTAL POLICE UNIT AND THE VARIOUS POLICE INTERVENTION TECHNIQUES USED.