Domestic Violence Law Enforcement Protocol – Santa Clara County

Created by the Police Chiefs’ Association of Santa Clara County in 2008, the Domestic Violence Protocol for Law Enforcement provides guidelines and establishes standards for public safety call takers, dispatchers, first responders and investigators in handling domestic violence incidents. The Protocol seeks to interpret and apply statutory and case law relating to domestic violence incident response and investigation. Particular attention is given to protecting victims of domestic violence, including children, other members of the household and pets, through enforcement of restraining orders, medical care, and working with support agencies to provide alternate shelter, relocation services, counseling and legal services.