ERMA — With the rise of tourists and temperatures during the summer, Lower Township police officers are kept busy responding to domestic violence calls at homes, hotels, condominiums, campgrounds and marinas.
According to a release from the department, from May 1 to July 18, Lower Township police have responded to and investigated 102 calls of domestic violence, 15 of which involved assaults and arrests.
Sgt. First Class William Hienkel, who tracks domestic violence incidents for the police department, noted that all police officers in New Jersey must attend annual in-service training, receiving updates on Domestic Violence Guidelines and procedures.
Hienkel also noted that the state has mandatory arrest requirements if an officer observes a visible sign of injury to a victim, the actor must be arrested.
Lower Township Police Chief Ed Donohue stated that domestic violence calls are one of the most dangerous calls a police officer can answer.
“In between responding to motor vehicle accidents, emergency medical calls, criminal mischief calls and disorderly conduct calls, officers have to be reminded to stay on guard while responding to domestic violence calls where the situation can go from calm to extremely violent in a matter of second,” Donohue added.
“Often officers are also confronted by the victim as well as the actor when they attempt to make an arrest during a domestic violence situation,” he added.
Donohue also noted that Lower Township Police Department works closely with members of the Coalition Against Rape and Abuse (C.A.R.A.) and the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office to ensure that the public is aware of their domestic violence rights and options to alleviate acts of domestic violence.
Victims of domestic violence during emergencies and after normal business hours may file for a temporary restraining order at their local police department.
In non-emergency situations, and during regular business hours, victims of domestic violence may file for a temporary restraining order at the Family Court in Court House.
Donohue cited the department’s special room that has been set aside for victims of domestic violence and their children.
That room resembles a living room rather than an office. It has games for children to play while interviews are being conducted.
Lower Township Police Department also works closely with volunteers from C.A.R.A. who go to the police department 24 hours a day to assist victims of domestic violence.
Hienkel noted that on July 11, Lower Township Police responded to eight domestic violence calls within a matter of hours; two of which involved assaults and arrests.
On a positive note, Donohue said that efforts by local, county and state officials to educate the public on the root causes of domestic violence and how to avoid conflict might be paying off.
The Lower Township Police Department has experienced a drop in domestic violence calls over the last four years with 465 domestic violence cases being reported in 2004, 454 in 2005, 432 in 2006 and 404 in 2007.
“We still have a lot more visitors and a few more heat waves to get through,” Hienkel stated.
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