In our previous two posts, we noted how Tacoma's domestic violence policy has gained recognition as a model way to deal with domestic violence cases in which a police officer is involved.

Recently, a similar domestic violence policy has been adopted in three Mille Lacs County police departments, who recently completed training for the new pro

After a year-long process of drumming up support for the new policy, writing a grant, and meeting with various advocates, officers in Princeton, Tribal, and Milaca counties have finally been trained up on the new policy.

Among the speakers at monthly meetings in preparation for the new policy was Red Wing Police Chief Tim Sletten, whose department already has what is called an "officer-involved" domestic violence policy.

Lane Judson, the father of a woman who was fatally shot by her husband during their divorce, also spoke to the police department about the importance of the new policy. Crystal Judson's husband, David Brame, was Police Chief in Tacoma, Washington at the time of the shooting, which took place one day after city officials announced that her abuse claims would not be investigated as it was considered a "private matter."

Lane Judson eventually went to Congress and secured funding for spreading the new policy in Washington. Similar policies have been enacted in North Dakota, Wisconsin, Florida and several other states.

Milaca Police Chief Mike Mott said that his department is now going to seriously pursue complaints against its members, focusing heavily on prevention before a domestic situation escalates to violence.

The policy discussion, in addition to putting a new policy in place, have also opened up avenues for departments and advocacy groups to work on improving victim services, preventing domestic violence, and building positive working relationships between various entities dedicated to fighting domestic violence.

Source: milllacscountytimes.com, "Police adopt domestic violence policy," Lesley Toth, 17 Mar 2011.