Domestic Investigations

Information Gathering on a Domestic Investigation
Richard Fugate
Criminal Investigations
Instructor: Susan Wind
Nov 22, 2012

Information Gathering on a Domestic Investigation
Discuss the issues of domestic violence and how best to respond to the following case:
A male who seems tired and disoriented is found wandering along a side street. The officer brings the male to the police station in order to determine the best course of action. The male is informed that he is not under arrest, but that the officer is taking him to the department so that he can be more comfortable. On the way to the station and at the station, the male recounts being assaulted by his wife. He does state that he has hit her once or twice during their marriage, but has "only slapped her." He says that he has not had any recent altercations with her, but that earlier today, while he was in bed, she hit him over the head repeatedly with a hard object that he believes may have been a metal cooking pan. He says that he remembers very little between the time of this assault and the time he was picked up by the officer on the street.
His story has some unusual aspects and seems to run counter to a number of trends observed in domestic violence. However, this does not necessarily mean that the events described by the man did not occur. What actions would you take as the officer in this case?
The first step since the subject has volunteered information thus far would be to read him his rights and explain that an interview is needed to gain as much information as possible. Follow-up if medical attention is needed.   Next research on the individual’s background from previous altercations would be to confirm the story that was already admitted to from the subject.
Also going to the residence would be a priority to check on the spouse and to get information for the story already given to determine the events as they unfolded. Due to the degree of the complaint additional officer are warranted since the...