Domestic Violence: Wronful Arrests

Unfortunately wrongful arrests happen way too often, as Setliff and I discussed. For example, a person may report having probable cause to claim domestic violence and request an arrest. Law enforcement must be vigilant to make sure they are handling domestic violence cases rightfully. Additionally, if an arrest is made, prosecutors should use the same care and caution in order to accurately charge offenders, and prosecute those offenders who truly do pose threat to victims.
It wasn’t until recently that attitudes regarding domestic violence have been taken seriously. Historically, the predominant thought was to blame the victim and give into myths and stereotypes. However, there has been a push to reevaluate these attitudes and begin to retrain law enforcement to understand domestic violence (Grover, Paul, and Dodge 626). In a study regarding attitudes of police officers towards domestic violence, it was found that “most of the officers (84%) felt that domestic violence calls take too much of their time and effort” (Grover et al 626). Officers “showed a high level of frustration with repeat calls to the same address (93%), and believed that too many domestic violence calls are for verbal arguments (93%)” (Grover et al 626). However, the same study also found that 87% of officers disagreed with the statement that domestic violence cases should be handled as private matters and 64% agreed with the statement, “Domestic violence offenders must be arrested even when the victims don’t feel it is necessary” (Grover et al 626). Evidence suggests that officer respect policies and procedures that have been created to assist the victim as well as protect the community.
Later on the same article reports:
“Most of the officers (88%) felt that...

... middle of paper ...

...nzalez, David. E-mail interview. 21 Apr. 2014.

Gover, A. R., D. Pudrzynska Paul, and M. Dodge. "Law Enforcement Officers' Attitudes About Domestic Violence." Violence Against Women 17.5 (2011): 619-36. Print.

Knox , Mittie. E-mail interview. 18 Apr. 2014.

Kraft, Michael E. Public Policy: Politics, Analysis, and Alternatives, 4th Edition. N.p.: CQ, 2012. N. pag. Print.

"Legal Dictionary." Law.com. Web. 23 Apr. 2014.

Martin, M. E. "Mandatory Arrest for Domestic Violence: The Courts' Response." Criminal Justice Review 19.2 (1994): 212-27. Print.

Setliff, Aaron. Personal Interview. 18 April 2014.

“Texas Council on Family Violence.” Tcfv.org. Web. 23 Apr. 2014.

Zeoli, A. M., A. Norris, and H. Brenner. "A Summary and Analysis of Warrantless Arrest Statutes for Domestic Violence in the United States." Journal of Interpersonal Violence 26.14 (2011): 2811-833. Print.