HWC for Law Enforcement and First Responders
1. Determine Whether Children Are Present
- Name
- Age
- School/Child Care Agency
2. Health & Safety Checks on Children
- Visual Observation & Questions
- Relationship to parties
- Demeanor
- Present during incident?
- Physically harmed?
- Determine if Treatment is Necessary
- Mandated Reporting to CPS
3. Talking With Children About the Incident
4. Avoid Interviewing Witnesses in the Presence of Children
5. Follow-up Interviews
6. Documentation – Child's name, age and school/agency should be documented by the responding officer.
7. Avoid Subduing or Arresting Someone in the Presence of Children
8. Separating Children from the Care Giving Parent/Guardian
9. Resources; Provide parent/guardian information:
- Child Advocacy Centers
- Victim Resources
- DCI Coordinator
Reference: West Virginia Model Protocol: Law Enforcement On Scene Response to Domestic Violence When Children Are Present
10. Daily Review of Reports
- Reports will be reviewed each morning by the law enforcement agency.
- A “Handle With Care” notice will be generated for each child listed in each report.
- A designee at the law enforcement agency will ensure the “Handle With Care” notice is promptly forwarded to the designated school official (via cell, fax, text or phone).
Reference: West Virginia Model Protocol: Law Enforcement On Scene Response to Domestic Violence When Children Are Present