Domestic Violence Manual - Outline

Working Group Draft (11/18/25)

I. Terms and Definitions 

  1. Additional cohabiting factors 

II. Procedures

  1. Situational Awareness
  2. Secure the Scene and Establish Control
  3. Preliminary Notification
  4. Interviews
    1. Comprehensive account from all parties (use BWC where possible).
    2. Obtain suspect ID photo to confirm identity.
    3. Confirm with victim if they want their name to remain confidential in any release of reports.
  5. On-Scene Investigation
    1. Preserve the scene and collect evidence (security camera, photos, videos, electronic, clothing, etc.) 

    2. Take photographs (scene, evidence, weapons, victim [all injuries], suspect [all injuries]. Be sensitive to privacy needs. 

       - For strangulation – face and neck regardless of visibility (and request additional pictures 24-,48-, 72- hours after) 

  6. Protective Order Verification
    1. Enforce order if previously served.
    2. If not served, serve.
    3. Procedures if suspect has fled the scene.
  7. Arrest considerations for felony, misdemeanor, and warrantless misdemeanor
    1. Warrantless misdemeanor parties (PC §836(d)).
  8. When to Notify DOC and/or SVU
  9. Requesting an EPO or GV-EPO
    1. Eligibility (mirrors DGO)
    2. Complete EPO/GV-EPO form
    3. Contact judge
    4. Serve approved orders
  10. Restraining Order Violation
    1. Procedures addressing when there is a violation but no incident.
  11. Weapon Confiscation
    1. Temporary custody.
    2. PC §18265 (holding weapon if not kept as evidence)
  12. Victim Safety and Protection
  13. Incident Documentation
    1. Procedures addressing when there is no criminal conduct
  14. Post-Incident Follow-Up
    1. SVU
  15. Training
    1. Per law, POST, and as required to keep members updated to Department policy.