What is a recommended practice when arriving at a domestic violence scene?

• A. Only one officer should respond to the call
• B. Never notify dispatch
• C. Use sirens and lights at all times
• D. At least 2 officers should respond if possible

Answer: (D)

Safety at domestic violence scenes hinges on having adequate backup to manage threat, separate involved parties, and protect victims. Having at least two officers respond if possible provides immediate support, reduces vulnerability, and supports safer interviewing and scene management. With two officers, one can establish contact and gather information while the other maintains cover and readiness to intervene if the situation escalates. This setup also aids in coordinating with EMS, securing potential weapons, and preserving evidence without overburdening a single responder.

Notifying dispatch is essential for additional resources and safety, so skipping that step isn't appropriate. Using sirens and lights all the time can unnecessarily escalate risk or alert a suspect, so the response should be tailored to the safety assessment rather than a blanket use of lights.