assailant for gender-based violence and provides that states and American Indian nations give full faith and credit to each other's restraining orders. In the wake of such events, associations such as the International Association of Chiefs of Police have developed policies for response by police officers.

The purpose of the IACP policy is to recommend initial courses of action that police officers should take in response to domestic violence incidents. Studies have shown that the way an officer approaches a domestic violence situation plays a big role in the outcome of the situation. The overall goals of law enforc

West Virginia law is more specific and recommends the dispatcher report the nature of the incident, the address, and the phone number where the caller can be called back. The law also requires the dispatcher inquire about weapons, the need for an ambulance, the suspects whereabouts, if there are children present, if drugs or alcohol are involved, if a warrant is outstanding, and if the accused is out on bail and the conditions of the bail. West Virginia law gives detailed directives on assessing whether or not the caller is the victim, or the witness to the domestic violence. It is very specific that the dispatcher keeps the caller on the line in order to relay ongoing information to responding officers. It also specifically states that the dispatcher inform the caller that help is on the way. West Virginia law details dispatcher access to department records and indicates that the dispatcher should consult records to gain information about the individuals history, and or current bail status and relay relevant information to responding officers. The IACP policy states that the dispatcher shall not cancel police response to a domestic violence complaint, even if it has been requested by the caller. The dispatcher should, however, advise the responding officers of the request.

At this point, West Virginia law requires that a Domestic Violence Incident Report be completed. Reports are used for future referral and court use as well as to become a tracking report so that dispatchers an officers will have access during future incidents. The Regional Policing Institute of Los Angeles recommends that reports should include the nature of the relationship of the victim and suspect be described in detail. The incident should be described so anyone who reads it will know exactly what happened without misinterpretations. Statements should be accurately be quoted, using the victim’s and the suspect’s powerful words. Injuries should be described in detail and dates should be accurate.

Once the officer arrives at the scene, both the IACP policy and West Virginia law have protocols for approaching the scene. The IACP policy has a broad based procedure for approaching a domestic violence scene and for that reason the West Virginia protocol will be used in this section due to its specific definitions. In the state of West Virginia, when possible, two officers should approach the scene inconspicuously, without the use of sirens and lights. Officers should park away from the scene and take note of exit routes. Officers should check to make sure weapons have not been employed from doors, windows, or nearby vehicles, and that people are not moving around or away from the scene.

At this time, the officers should gather all physical evidence related to the incident and note it in reports. Photographs should be taken of the victim and of the crime scene. After interviewing the victim or victims, the officers should use statements and evidence to determine if the facts constitute all of the elements of assault or battery. The law also recommends that all deadly weapo

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