4.104 Domestic Violence Investigations

Question 1

What is the overarching policy in regards to Domestic Violence?

Answer 1

Domestic Violence is a crime which adversely affects the lives of all who are exposed to it. Due to the serious nature, broad scope, and cycle of violence inherent in these crimes, the response of law enforcement must reflect an appropriate sense of urgency. It is the policy of this department to aggressively pursue acts constituting domestic violence to prevent further violence.

Question 2

During a domestic violence call when shall officers contact their supervisor immediately?

Answer 2

Officers shall immediately contact their supervisor in cases when:

1. Felony domestic violence has occurred.
2. A law enforcement employee of any agency is involved as a suspect or victim.
3. Parties involved are believed to be a pimp and prostitute.
4. A suspect under arrest has a previous conviction for domestic violence and is in possession of a firearm and/or ammunition.
5. A mutual arrest is considered.

Question 3

During a mutual domestic battery arrest, who must authorize the arrest before transporting?

Answer 3

Officers are required to obtain approval from their supervisor before making the mutal arrest.

Question 4

With regards to domestic battery, what will a supervisor do?

Answer 4

The supervisor will:

1. In cases of mutual arrest, ensure every attempt has been made to try and determine a primary aggressor and probable cause exists for both arrests prior to giving approval for any mutual arrest.
2. In cases meeting the Family Justice Center call-out criteria, immediately notify FJC detectives. Current criteria can be obtained through a Dispatch supervisor.
3. If parties involved are believed to be a pimp and prostitute, immediately notify the Vice Section.
4. In cases when a law enforcement employee of any agency is involved as a suspect or victim of domestic violence, immediately notify the watch commander (if unavailable, contact the Criminal Investigations Section Supervisor) and the area lieutenant to respond.
5. Review all reports for accuracy and consistency, including jurisdiction, elements of the crime, and probable cause.

Question 5

What will the supervisor do, in regards to Investigations of Department Vehicle Incidents

Answer 5

The commissioned supervisor will:

1. Respond and conduct preliminary investigation.
   a. Determine this falls within the definition of a vehicle incident and not a vehicle collision.
   b. If the collision only rises to the level of an incident and no other citizen vehicle or non-motorist was involved (i.e., LVMPD property vs. LVMPD property, single vehicle damage on or off road [i.e., rim damage, oil pan, etc.]; or single vehicle vs. private property [i.e., rock, pole, structure, etc. with minor or no apparent damage]), complete and submit LVMPD 393 Supervisor’s Report of Department Vehicle Incident, to the involved member’s bureau/area commander.

Question 6

What will the immediate supervisor do, in regards to review and reporting department take-home vehicles?

Answer 6

The immediate supervisor will:

1. Conduct a monthly review of vehicles assigned as a take-home vehicle to ensure the proper use, care, mileage, fuel usage, and continuing need.
2. Report any changes or deficiencies to the bureau/area commander. Complete the Take-Home Vehicle Change Authorization, LVMPD 136, if needed.