4.104 DV Investigations

Question 1

What is domestic violence?

Answer 1

A crime that adversely affects the lives of all exposed to it, necessitating a thorough investigation by law enforcement to prevent further violence.

Question 2

Define ‘assault’ in the context of domestic violence.

Answer 2

Abusive behavior or coercion used to gain or maintain power and control over another, including unlawful attempts to use physical force or placing someone in apprehension of harm.

Question 3

What constitutes ‘battery’?

Answer 3

Any willful and unlawful use of force or violence upon the person of another.

Question 4

What is ‘coercion’?

Answer 4

The intent to compel another to do or abstain from doing an act which the other person has a right to do or abstain from doing.

Question 5

Define ‘dating relationship’.

Answer 5

Frequent, intimate associations primarily characterized by the expectation of affectional or sexual involvement.

Question 6

What is ‘felony domestic violence’?

Answer 6

Domestic violence involving strangulation, deadly weapons, or substantial bodily harm, or multiple domestic violence offenses within seven years.

Question 7

What is ‘mutual arrest’?

Answer 7

Occurs when there is probable cause that a separate, distinct battery has been committed by each party against the other.

Question 8

What is ‘sexual assault’?

Answer 8

Subjecting another person to sexual penetration against their will or under conditions where the victim is incapable of resisting.

Question 9

What does ‘strangulation’ mean?

Answer 9

Intentionally applying pressure to another person’s neck to hinder breathing or blood flow to the brain.

Question 10

List some acts constituting domestic violence according to NRS 33.018.

Answer 10

• Battery
• Assault
• Coercion
• Sexual assault
• Stalking
• Arson
• Trespassing
• Larceny
• Destruction of property
• Carrying a concealed weapon without a permit
• Injuring or killing an animal
• Burglary
• Invasion of the home
• False imprisonment
• Pandering

Question 11

True or False: Domestic violence can only occur between spouses.

Answer 11

False

Question 12

What should communications bureau personnel do upon receiving a domestic violence-related call?

Answer 12

• Determine the relationship of parties
• Ascertain the adverse party’s information
• Route a family disturbance event
• Include appropriate priority code based on threat level

Question 13

What actions should officers take upon arriving at a domestic violence scene?

Answer 13

• Approach with caution
• Observe for evidence
• Listen for sounds of altercation
• Contact involved parties
• Secure weapons if present
• Request medical assistance if needed

Question 14

Fill in the blank: Officers must make a probable cause warrantless arrest for any battery offense constituting domestic violence if it occurred within the preceding _______.

Answer 14

24 hours

Question 15

What must be documented in a Domestic Battery Report?

Answer 15

• Physical evidence
• Identity of children present
• Witnesses
• Medical information
• Spontaneous statements

Question 16

What considerations are used to determine the primary physical aggressor in mutual battery cases?

Answer 16

• Prior domestic violence
• Severity of injuries
• Potential for future injury
• Self-defense claims
• Corroborating evidence

Question 17

True or False: Mutual arrests are encouraged in domestic violence cases.

Answer 17

False

Question 18

What is required if an arrest is made for a prohibited person in possession of a firearm?

Answer 18

• Complete a Firearms Notification
• Impound the firearm as evidence
• Document reason for prohibition

Question 19

What is the primary intent of Assembly Bill 51 regarding domestic violence suspects?

Answer 19

To provide police with seven days to find and lawfully arrest a domestic violence suspect who fled before police arrived.

Question 20

What is a prohibited person?

Answer 20

A person who is not allowed to possess firearms due to a previous conviction for domestic violence.

This term is relevant in the context of firearms possession laws.

Question 21

Under what conditions may an officer impound firearms for safekeeping?

Answer 21

If there is an articulable reason that a danger exists and the involved party agrees or gives consent.

This process is crucial for ensuring safety during domestic violence investigations.

Question 22

What should be done if a protection order exists?

Answer 22

Follow the procedures set forth in LVMPD 4.106, Orders for Protection (Restraining Orders).

This ensures compliance with legal requirements for protection orders.

Question 23

When should a SafeNest advocate be requested?

Answer 23

When strangulation is alleged, there is a reasonable belief of firearms at the residence, the victim requests it, or there are significant repeated calls for service.

SafeNest advocates provide critical support to victims of domestic violence.

Question 24

What is SafeNest’s goal in terms of response time?

Answer 24

To respond to a scene in 20 minutes or less.

Quick response is essential for victim support and safety.

Question 25

What should officers do if a SafeNest advocate cannot respond in a timely manner?

Answer 25

Request verbal consent from the victim to provide their information to SafeNest for follow-up services. ## Footnote This process allows for continued victim support even if immediate assistance is unavailable.

Question 26

What should be documented in the CAD event if an officer contacts SafeNest directly?

Answer 26

The information must be updated in the computer-aided dispatch (CAD) event. ## Footnote Accurate documentation is critical for tracking victim support efforts.

Question 27

What information should be provided to victims?

Answer 27

* Victim’s Information Guide (LVMPD 608) * Domestic Violence Card * Information about obtaining an emergency protection order. ## Footnote Providing this information empowers victims to take necessary legal actions.

Question 28

True or False: SafeNest advocates can be used for investigative purposes.

Answer 28

False. ## Footnote SafeNest advocates are not intended to serve as witnesses or for investigative purposes.

Question 29

What must be ensured before approving mutual arrests?

Answer 29

Every attempt has been made to determine a primary physical aggressor and that probable cause exists for both arrests. ## Footnote This is crucial to avoid unjust arrests in domestic violence situations.

Question 30

What should be done if parties involved are believed to be a pimp and prostitute?

Answer 30

Immediately notify the Vice Section. ## Footnote This ensures that the appropriate authorities handle the situation effectively.

Question 31

What is the role of the Family Justice Center (FJC)?

Answer 31

It is a full-service facility for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. ## Footnote FJC provides comprehensive support and resources for victims.

Question 32

What types of crimes will FJC detectives investigate?

Answer 32

* Domestic battery by strangulation * Domestic battery with a deadly weapon * Assault domestic violence with use of a deadly weapon * Domestic battery (third offense) * Domestic battery with prior felony convictions. ## Footnote These investigations focus on serious domestic violence offenses.

Question 33

Fill in the blank: Domestic battery (first or second offense) will be investigated by the _______.

Answer 33

[appropriate area command]. ## Footnote This delineation of responsibilities is important for effective law enforcement.

Question 34

What must be documented in the victim's narrative?

Answer 34

* Victim’s conduct and demeanor * Reason for the delay in reporting * Statements by the victim and witnesses. ## Footnote Accurate documentation is essential for the investigation.

Question 35

What should be included in a Domestic Battery Report?

Answer 35

* Identity of children present * Witnesses * Medical information * Spontaneous statements made in the officer’s presence. ## Footnote This comprehensive documentation aids in legal proceedings.

Question 36

What should be done if a victim refuses to provide a written statement?

Answer 36

Note in the report the reason for the refusal (e.g., uncooperative, afraid, injured, or language barrier). ## Footnote Documenting refusal reasons is important for case integrity.

Question 37

What evidence should be collected during a domestic violence investigation?

Answer 37

* Document visible injury or complaint of injury * Photograph the victim * Document any independent provable crimes. ## Footnote Evidence collection is critical for supporting the victim's claims.

Question 38

First responding Officers will immediately contact their supervisor in cases when:

Answer 38

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

Question 39

Officers ___________ complete a citizen’s citation or citizen’s arrest for all other misdemeanor acts constituting domestic violence (excluding battery) not committed in their presence (e.g., allegations of trespassing, petit larceny, and destruction of private property)

Answer 39

may

Question 40

Mutual arrests are _________________

Answer 40

discouraged

Question 41

If an arrest is made for a prohibited person in possession of a firearm, the officer will:

Answer 41

1) Complete a Firearms Notification (LVMPD 181) and fax it to the local office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and LVMPD CCW Dispositions Detail. 2) Impound the firearm and/or ammunition as evidence, and write on the impound form, “Evidence - Prohibited Person.” Write in the circumstances section of the impound form, “firearms impounded, prohibited person,” and explain the reason they are prohibited (i.e., “Previous conviction for domestic violence”).

Question 42

In cases when a law enforcement employee of any agency is involved as a suspect or victim of domestic violence, immediately notify the __________________________________________ to respond.

Answer 42

watch commander and the area lieutenant

Question 43

The watch commander will contact _________________________________ if the domestic violence suspect/victim is an LVMPD employee (see LVMPD 8.200, Criminal Investigations Involving Law Enforcement Employees).

Answer 43

the Criminal Investigations Section (CIS) supervisor