Report Template- Domestic Violence
Domestic Violence Investigation
This template is designed to assist you in gathering and organizing information needed to complete the investigation of a domestic violence report. Obtaining the information contained herein may assist you in performing a complete investigation and gathering information vital to your report. This is NOT state specific and is not an exhaustive list.
- Opening paragraph: Date, time and other information important to how officer became involved (dispatched to a call, flagged down, etc.). If the deputy witnessed something to cause him/her to stop at the incident location, that fact should be included in this initial paragraph.
- Arrival at the scene
- If situation is still volatile, what did officer do to make scene safe, secure it, treat injuries, etc.
- Officer’s observations: what the officer saw; what the officer heard. Appearance of the scene (overturned furniture, broken items, weapons, etc.)
- Appearance of the victim
- Injuries (thoroughly describe the injuries)
- Emotional (crying, screaming, shaking)
- Describe exactly what you witnessed. Don’t draw conclusions with words like “upset” or “agitated.”
- Excited utterances by victim
- Appearance of the suspect (location and demeanor; also include statements, including spontaneous statements)
- Medical attention offered/called in case of injury to any party
- Was the assistance of a CIT officer required?
- Separate all parties (document)
- Victim’s Statement
- Relationship with the suspect
- How did they receive their injury
- Cause of the argument; however, when documenting, they did not cause the violence against them
- Children/Witnesses
- Prior history (have police been called before? Has suspect been arrested? Is there a restraining order or an order of no contact?) Confirm history via computer checks.
- Drug or alcohol involvement by either party
- What happened after the argument?
- Sworn, taped statement from the victim
- Emotional state of victim
- Was a weapon used? What kind? Do they have access to a weapon?
- Ask about strangulation.
- Suspect
- Relationship to the victim
- Injuries – document how they received them
- Suspect Statement/Sworn if applicable
- Demeanor while deputies were on scene
- Witnesses – separate first
- Canvass neighbors to see what they may have heard/seenMake sure you locate the 911 caller, if it wasn’t the victimWhat was seen/heard
- Relationship to involved parties or are they independent witnesses?
- Deputy’s actions at the scene
- Evidence gathered? Are there weapons in plain view? If PC to arrest suspect, remove firearms that belong to him/her. Statement taken? Photos taken?
- Both victim and suspect should be photographed. The scene should be photographed as well
- Evidence gathered? Are there weapons in plain view? If PC to arrest suspect, remove firearms that belong to him/her. Statement taken? Photos taken?
- Victim notification/victim packet. Victim Advocate/notification. Computer checks on suspect/victim history.
- Lethality Assessment
- Victim — medical attention or shelter or refusal
- Disposition
- Primary or predominant aggressor determined?
- Normally, both parties should NOT be arrested
- BOLO issued for suspect if not located. Warrant obtained? DV Unit Notified?
- Notification of Department of Children and Families when combatants have children present
- Primary or predominant aggressor determined?