Cops get new domestic violence manual

Police officers investigating reports of domestic violence will soon be able to be guided in their investigations with the use of a Domestic Violence Investigative and Procedural Manual.

The manual was ordered by Attorney General Glenda Morean, who mandated that a comprehensive manual on the investigation of domestic violence complaints be prepared. This was deemed necessary because it was noted that domestic violence is a serious community- based problem in need of a national response. Morean noted that further recognising that since the enactment of the Domestic Violence Acts of 1991 and 1999, the primary response of law enforcement professionals to domestic violence reports has been inadequate.

The Working Committee, which has been mandated to prepare the manual, will have as its term of reference the formulation of the protocols on the methods of primary response to reports or complaints of domestic violence; protocols on the treatment of and interaction with victims of domestic violence; witnesses to domestic violence, minors in a home where there has been domestic violence, and suspects of domestic violence; clear statements and explanations of the current law as it relates to domestic violence, inclusive of existing legislation, police standing orders and staff orders, and decided case law; and a listing of domestic violence support agencies within Trinidad and Tobago.

The objective of the manual will be to assist law enforcement professionals in their primary response to and prosecution of domestic violence as a crime in Trinidad and Tobago. It is also geared towards ensuring that victims of domestic violence are treated with dignity and respect and adequately assisted throughout the ordeal.