The program is now available throughout Davidson, thanks to the efforts of Sergeant Barney Poole and Officers Jerome Hill and Scott Minderlein . Sergeant Poole explained that when called to the scene of a domestic dispute, officers can determine if the victim would likely benefit from having one of the special phones. If so, they leave one. If, however, a subsequent assault occurs, the victim must agree to prosecute the assailant in court. As Sergeant Poole explained, whenever an officer intercedes in an assault case, he or she automatically arrests the assailant.
Many victims are later reluctant to prosecute when the case goes to court.
Bell South donated the cell phones, and the Police Department paid to have them refurbished. The phones will give people who live in fear of abuse an added sense of security. They are mobile and can be used if a residential phone line has been cut or if the user must flee a threatening situation. For more information or to speak with one of the officers about the program, please call the Police Department at 892-5131.