Edmonton Police Service. Domestic Offender Crimes Section (DOCS) Established 2010 September

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1 Edmonton Police Service Domestic Offender Crimes Section (DOCS) Established 2010 September

2 Introductions Staff Sergeant Mike Bartkus (DOCS Team Commander) Related areas of work: Child at Risk Response Team, Child Protection Section, Robbery Section, Organizational Security and Threat Assessment Unit Served on many collaborative boards and committees Inspector Bill Spinks (Serious Crimes Branch) Related areas of work: Child at Risk Response Team, Child Protection Section, Team Commander in Vice Section, Missing Persons Unit, PACT and Homicide Served on many collaborative boards and committees Nancy Leake EPS Civilian Analyst Domestic Offender Crimes Section

3 Domestic Violence Statistics Trend for 2011 We believe the number will grow due to DOCS being accepted and trusted by Victims, Community partners and the Courts

4 Previous Spousal Violence Intervention Team (SVIT) Model Mid 1990 s s SVIT developed North Division Based on repeat calls for service 1 Detective 1 Social worker Findings identified a lack of coordinated support and follow up services for families Grew into the concept of Intervention and Prevention (root of problem) Over time the SVIT model was unable to provide Major Crime specialized investigative products to the Court

5 The need for DOCS In a investigative services review was conducted by the EPS Consultation with the Crown Prosecutors office identified the need to apply Major Case Management (MCM) techniques and investigative protocols to the most serious or complex cases of Domestic Violence An in depth review of the Provincial Domestic Violence investigative guidelines resulted in the development of new EPS policy and procedure Consultation and collaboration with the City of Edmonton Community Services and other partnering stakeholders resulted in enhanced coordinated service delivery maintaining our intervention and prevention services

6 Major Case Management (MCM) Criminal Investigations Division and Serious Crimes Branch First 48 hrs Television Show Front end loading Preservation of evidence, interviews of witnesses, victims and suspects, safety of victims, search warrants and many other time sensitive investigative steps 24/7 response Victim safety paramount Homicide, Robbery, Sexual Assault, Child Protection and other CID Sections MCM developed as a result of several major crime Court Inquiries (Bernardo/Justice Campbell) Taught at the RCMP Canadian Police College in Ottawa

7 Serious Crimes Branch Organizational Chart

8 DOCS Mandate The Domestic Offender Crimes Section is committed to providing a timely response to the investigation of serious or complex cases of domestic violence and to provide victim based intervention and advocacy services cooperatively with partnering agencies.

9 DOCS Intimate Partner Violence Understanding that intimate partner violence is one of the most common and potentially lethal problems dealt with by police; DOCS endeavors to apply risk and threat assessment strategies to identify important victim vulnerability factors such as; Lengthy history of abuse Victims, including children, are fearful and the risk of harm is significant or imminent Cultural sensitivity issues Recent break up or divorce High risk stalking behaviours, criminal harassment or a breach of a court c order. Mental health concerns Pattern of irrational or violent behaviours Concern from other community agencies

10 DOCS Major Case Management Major Crime Investigations DOCS Detectives can provide specialized real time investigative response to domestic violence cases involving: Aggravated assault Attempted murder Offences where a firearm has been used Serious or complex sexual assault cases Forcible confinement, kidnapping or abductions Strangulation or choking to overcome resistance Where a police officer is involved as a victim or offender

11 DOCS Intervention Services Unit (Intervention and prevention) Divisional Domestic Violence Intervention Team (DVIT) Responsible for the review and assessment of intimate partner domestic violence cases. Intervention is tailored to meet the individual needs of the victim. 1 Team per patrol division Elder Abuse Intervention Team (EAIT): Responsible for assessing and responding to cases of elder abuse Domestic Violence Docket Court Team: Assist victims in docket court daily in consultation with the Crown Prosecutor. Every Victim is spoken to prior to court

12 DOCS Partnerships DOCS direct partnering with the City of Edmonton Community Services Department (5) DVIT teams (1 Constable & 1 City of Edmonton Community Services Social Worker) (1) Elder Abuse Intervention Team (EAIT) (1Constable & 1 social worker from the City of Edmonton Community Services Department, with support from Victorian Order of Nurses, and Catholic Social Services members) (1) Docket Court Team (1 Constable & 1 City of Edmonton Social Worker)

13 DOCS Partnerships The Today Family Violence Help Centre situated in downtown Edmonton, is a community based centre dedicated to changing the cycle of family violence through co located staff and linked community services. DVIT & EAIT police members work at the Today Centre.

14 DOCS Partnerships Other DOCS partnering organizations include: Catholic Social Services Edmonton John Howard Society Victorian Order of Nurses Community Initiatives Against Family Violence (CIAFV) which represents 98 victim serving agencies in the greater Edmonton area. Edmonton and Greater Edmonton area women s s shelters Alberta Council of Women s s Shelters (ACWS) Alberta Solicitor General and Public Security Integrated Threat & Risk Assessment Centre (ITRAC)

15 DOCS Notable Accomplishments Presented the DOCS Model before the House of Commons Standing Committee on the Status of Women Violence Against Aboriginal Women Successfully audited by the Government of Alberta Standards and Audits Section, which specifically reviewed new EPS policy respecting domestic violence investigations and training Presented the DOCS Model to the Family Justice & Child Advocacy Planning Committee in Peel Ontario

16 DOCS Notable Accomplishments continued Presented the DOCS EAIT Model before a Parliamentary Committee on Palliative and Compassionate Care in Winnipeg Manitoba (MP, Tim Uppal) An active member of the Community Initiatives Against Family Violence An active partner with the Alberta Solicitor General and Public Security Police Advisory Committee (PAC) Participation in a number of notable criminal investigations which led to high praise from the Crown Prosecutors Office and other community stakeholders

17 DOCS Dedicated to Stopping Domestic Violence Domestic violence is a major concern for the Edmonton Police Service. Violence in the home is a leading cause of injury and children who grow up witnessing violence are often affected for life. Victims of Domestic Violence are vulnerable to re victimization Abusers, unless held accountable for their actions, continue to commit acts of violence and intimidation. DOCS is committed to providing the most appropriate and effective response to assisting victims and holding abusers accountable.

18 Domestic Violence and DOCS Where the future needs to focus Continued training that addresses: victim vulnerabilities and the cycle of abuse, vulnerable persons, cultural sensitivity issues and trends Safety planning and threat assessment understanding stalking and criminal harassment behaviours Cyber stalking, and offender behaviours Coordination of Breach Enforcement Services Thank you Questions