The other day, my former co-worker and friend checked in on me and updated me on our former digs. We both worked in the family violence unit and she was a detective. She investigated family violence and sex crimes cases and also worked with me as a liaison in the community. Together, we both sat on a domestic violence fatality review board and worked a daily detail that focused on advocates and officers working cases together so they can provide the best services to victims of crime. The benefits of community engagement and specialized investigative units, in law enforcement, allows for us to create safer communities and increased justice for victims of violent crimes like domestic violence and sexual assault. My friend mentioned that the police agency we worked for recently reallocated resources away from the specialized domestic violence unit and gave a position to another squad. Our upset came from the fact that we know the impact of domestic violence in our community. People would be shocked to know how many reported cases of domestic violence we received a month for a relatively populated city. It baffles me that leadership changes and people either use their own personal agenda to lead or ignorance. When it comes to domestic violence and sex crimes (including child abuse) there is no legitimate reason to go backwards. We are currently living through a pandemic that often leads to other crisis, like mental health, financial instability and increased crime in our communities. In order to over come adversity in crime fighting, we have to remain dedicated to collaborative efforts to hold offenders accountable. Two ways: Domestic Violence Fatality Review Boards and Specialized Investigative Units.
First, let's explore DV Fatality Review Boards. The purpose of FRB's is to create a collaborative effort and allows the community to learn from domestic violence related deaths and improve systematic responses to domestic violence. FRB's ask the question: What can the community do better to respond to victims of domestic violence in order to prevent deaths? FRB's consist of members of the community that represent all areas of importance (i.e health care, faith leaders, educators, local non-profits, national organizations, law enforcement, prosecutors, government, advocates, mental health, etc.) Members volunteer their time or incorporate it into their regular work week, and meet on a regular basis to discuss high profile cases, policy changes, community concerns, and any initiative that eradicates domestic violence. During meetings we discuss and apply our specialized knowledge to come up with solutions to concerns or problems that benefit victims. FRB's make recommendations to the people that can make decisions in our communities through an annual report. This annual report is made public and can instigate attention and change. When great minds collaborate and work towards a common goal, great change occurs. Not every step is huge but directional. So much positive feedback can come from reviews of domestic violence in our communities. When suggestions are made on better responses; our team never received any resistance. People are often times open to resolution. FRB'S opens discussions, creates problem solving dialogue, uncovers holes and gaps in service to victims, and identifies prevention and intervention techniques to apply in our responses. We work towards improving our systems. The National Domestic Violence Fatality Review Initiative is the leading authority on review teams and has information on how to start one in your community and I will link below.
Finally, let's discuss specialized investigative units and how they benefit crime victims. Investigators in specialized units receive advanced training in domestic violence and sex crimes which helps to reduce secondary victimization, reduces trauma, and allows for more comprehensive services to crime victims. Investigators learn how to interview victims of violent crime, how to create a safe environment for victims during an investigation, and introduces victims to support services. Dependent on the law enforcement agency, many establish an investigative bureau consisting of some or all of the following units:
Domestic Violence Unit- responsible for follow-up investigations of domestic related crimes like aggravated assault, assault, court order violations etc.
Missing Persons- responsible for the follow-up investigations of missing persons.
Sex Crimes- (adult and child) responsible for follow-up investigations of sexual assault and abuse.
Sex Offender Notification Unit- responsible for the follow-up of investigation of all the sex offender registration related crimes for offenders living in that particular city or jurisdiction.
Computer crimes- most of the time these investigators are involved in a coordinated task force with other federal, state, and local agencies to investigate crimes on internet.
Homicide
Specialized units means specialized attention and these cases are often prioritized. When police agencies invest in specialized units or reallocate resources to accommodate specialized units, the effort often leads to more collaborative interaction with the community. Victims of crime receive more support and resources and most specialized units are tied to support services. The police agency I worked for had their own advocacy center. Advocacy centers are also a best practice because they provide supportive services to crime victims during an investigation. To sum it up, good detective work involves having the knowledge and the advanced skills needed to solve crime. Three major duties of a detective are to conduct interviews with victims, witnesses and suspects, follow-up on leads, and build a case for prosecutors. When detectives are given the opportunity to be experts and receive advanced training on a specific crime, cases get solved, victims receive appropriate responses from law enforcement, services and justice. Specialized investigations often involve the following:
*Multi-disciplinary approach- often investigators work closely with prosecutors and relative agencies like child protection services and advocates.
*Culturally competent policy and practices during investigations.
*Forensic Interviews that are conducted objectively and sensitively.
*Sensitive medical evaluations and examinations through SANE nurses if available.
*Victim support and advocacy.
*Case review and tracking.
Many large cities in the U.S, have specialized police units and the type depends on the demands of the community. These crimes are difficult and complex to investigate but specialized units creates an opportunity to better serve our communities.
For more information on Fatality Review Boards visit https://ndvfri.org/
Advocacy Centers: Best and first in the nation. https://www.mesafamilyadvocacycenter.com/
Listen, subscribe, and share my podcast, The Victim Assistant, Crime Victim Advocacy available on most outlets including Spreaker, ApplePodcasts. https://www.spreaker.com/show/the-victim-assistant
Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: The Victim Assistant Lifestyle for self care, healing and lifestyle support. https://youtu.be/hATeFpIS5yo
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