Dangers of Domestic Violence Calls

Gordon Graham here with Today’s Tip from Lexipol. Today’s Tip is for law enforcement.

Domestic disturbance calls are the most dangerous calls for law enforcement.

Today’s Tip deals with the dangers of domestic violence situations and some things that you can do to improve your safety. 

We all know that domestic disturbance calls can be dangerous. According to a recent analysis by the U.S. Department of Justice, these calls are not just dangerous. They are the most dangerous. Between 2014 and 2016 more officers were killed handing domestic disturbance calls than anything else. 

The research also identified some alarming trends. For example, most of the officer killings occurred outside of the home. Firearms were the most common weapon used. And rifles were used a lot.  

The best way to improve your safety is to wait for another officer. I understand that staffing may be a problem. But I am sure every agency has a mutual aid agreement or some other arrangement that would allow for assistance from another agency.  

Even if the call seems routine, do not assume it is. Park a safe distance away. And with more and more rifles being used, this probably means farther away than you might have thought. Safely approach the scene when a second officer arrives.  

Assess the situation. Make proper use of cover and concealment. Learn what you can about prior calls to the address and about the people who may be involved. Formulate a plan and communicate with each other. 

And if you see an officer handling domestic calls alone, or ignoring other safety protocols, please say something. The uncomfortable conversation is way better than a preventable injury or death.  

Domestic disturbance calls will never be risk-free. Please do what you can to improve your safety. And take them seriously. Remember. Complacency kills. 

And that’s Today’s Tip from Lexipol. Gordon Graham signing off. 

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