93strongest evidence for arrest. The greater the injury to the victim, the more likely
the offender was arrested.
The police officer who responds to a domestic violence call must in some way
play the role of a psychologist. Upon arriving at the scene of a domestic dispute,
the officer must discriminate between conflicting stories, examine the psychologi-
cal status of the victim, evaluate the potential dangerousness of the alleged offender,
and provide support and comfort to the victim. Quantitatively, it has been found
that a variety of factors contribute directly to an officer's decision to make an ar-
rest. In order of importance they are (1) use of violence against police officers, (2)
commission of a felony, (3) use of a weapon, (4) serious injury to the victim, (5)
likelihood of future violence, (6) frequent calls for police assistance from household,
(7) alcohol-/drug-intoxicated assailant, (8) disrespect for police officers, (9) previous
injury to victim or damage to property, (10) previous legal action (restraining order),
and (1 1) victim insists on arrest (Dolon, Hendricks, & Meagher, 1986). It is clear that
the police officer must consider a large array of factors, either consciously or uncon-
sciously, when faced with a domestic dispute. In addition to these influences, other
variables such as personal attributes and officers' perceptions regarding their role in
domestic violence will ultimately influence his or her decision to make an arrest.
Forensic Psychology and Policy Implications
The establishment of policies related to domestic violence took center stage in the
feminist movement of the 1970s. During this time, it was demanded that policies
and laws should be reformed to further protect a woman from her abusive partner
(Stalans & Lurigio, 1995a; 1995b). Today, research exists that has attempted to make
restitution and has influenced the further reformation of public policy relating to
domestic disputes.
Bred and Simons (1987) postulate two basic models. The organizational effects
model and the individual effects model. These models examine the influence of
the police organization on the police officer's response to domestic disturbance
calls and the characteristics of officers that may influence the officer's perceived
role as a mediator of domestic violence. Testing of these models revealed that the
organizational model relies heavily on the type of training received by police officers
in handling such situations. Also, the officer's departmental role was found to be
significantly related to the service response. The individual effects model testing
revealed that attitudes, values, and perceptions play a major role in determining how
police officers respond to domestic disputes. In addition, these attitudes, values, and
perceptions are influenced to some degree by peers, education, police experience,
and gender.
Research also indicates that mandatory arrest laws, overall, significantly con-
tribute to increased arrest rates for domestic violence offenders. Although about 40
states currently have mandatory arrest laws, this policy should be extended to all