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