In the city of Sacramento, three detectives specialize in domestic violence, but their caseload is so great they don't even leave their office to interview victims. In smaller jurisdictions, many officials say they don't have the money or manpower to focus on domestic violence, an argument at least two national police experts consider bogus. But Rocklin's police chief has vowed to improve his department's approach to domestic violence, using volunteers and no new money. Every department can't have a special unit, but every chief has the ability to appoint one person and make them the domestic violence guru. In Sacramento County last year, nearly one-fourth of all murder victims died at the hands of a partner or parent.
Victims often recant.
Sometimes, they change their stories before police arrive. They may even attack officers as they try to arrest the batterer. The same officers may be sent to the same house time after time, knowing the victim has failed to follow up on their advice. And when you leave the first time, you never want to go back because you probably haven't done a whole lot of good. Enter domestic violence response teams, which are fast gaining popularity nationally.