The priorities of the police service in responding to domestic violence are as follows:
- To protect the lives of both adults and children who are at risk as a result of domestic violence.
- To investigate all reports of domestic violence.
- To facilitate effective action against offenders so that they can be held accountable through the criminal justice system.
- To adopt a proactive multi-agency approach in preventing and reducing domestic violence.
- All domestic abuse incidents will be recorded and thoroughly investigated as a crime
- Staff will positively intervene in all domestic abuse incidents.
- When considering the level of intervention the arrest of the alleged perpetrator must always be considered. Officers must be able to justify any decision not to arrest, and this must be authorised by their supervisor.
Domestic Violence cases should be dealt with at Specialist Domestic Violence Courts.