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Abuse of Power

THE clearinghouse on police-perpetrated domestic violence

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The police uniform, badge, and gun are universal symbols of power and authority. When the individual puts on the uniform, he assumes the authority that goes with it. He commands and expects obedience and respect from the public.

The Brotherhood: Police officers and firefighters stick together. They put their lives — and sometimes their careers — on the line for each other. That's what the Brotherhood is all about.

Officer Training: Police officers are professionally trained to get and keep people and situations under control. Abusive officers use their professional skills against their own spouses and children.

Standards of Conduct: Police and firefighters know the standards of conduct in their departments. They know what behaviors and activities will or will not be tolerated.

Internal Investigation: If your allegations are credible and serious enough, the chief may order an investigation. The more you know about this process, the more control you may have regarding your safety.

Pre-emptive Tactics: The police abuser is adept at turning it all around to be your fault. He uses his police powers and his knowledge of the law to put you on the defensive.

Suicide & Lethality: Officer-involved domestic violence presents a high lethality risk for both the victim and the abuser.

Law Enforcement Code of Ethics: I will keep my private life unsullied as an example to all and will behave in a manner that does not bring discredit to me or to my agency.

Relevant Reading:

Abusive Police Officers: Working the System: Officers who batter typically use tactics of control they acquired through their professional training and experience. Their professional credibility and authority uniquely position abusive officers to explain, defend and summon institutional support and assistance from the very systems victims turn to for protection.

Lessons Learned from Tacoma: The Problem of Police Officer Domestic Violence: (pdf only) It often takes a tragic wake-up call such as the murder-suicide by the Tacoma police chief to create real change. Rather than denying the potential for such a tragedy, police officers, supervisors and managers must take this issue seriously. Leadership begins at the top.

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