Domestic Violence is one of the most serious crimes affecting our society today. The affects on victims, children and our community can be devastating.
Under Pa. Crimes Code §2711. Probable Cause Arrests in Domestic Violence Cases.
(a) General rule. - A police officer shall have the same right of arrest without a warrant as in a felony whenever he has probable cause to believe the defendant has violated section 2504 (relating to involuntary manslaughter), 2701 (relating to simple assault), 2702(a)(3), (4) and (5) (relating to aggravated assault) or 2705 (relating to recklessly endangering another person) against his spouse or other person with whom he resides or has formerly resided although the offense did not take place in the presence of the police officer. A police officer may not arrest a person pursuant to this section without first observing recent physical injury to the victim or other corroborative evidence.

(b) Seizure of weapons. - The arresting police officer shall seize all weapons used by the defendant in the commission of the alleged offense.

(3) An order preventing the abuser from entering your residence, school, business or place of employment.

(4) An order awarding you or the other parent temporary custody of or temporary visitation with your child or children.

(5) An order directing the abuser to pay support to you and the minor children if the abuser has a legal obligation to do so."

(Chgd. by L.1990, Act 206(3), eff. 3/19/91.)

The primary objective in responding to domestic violence calls is to de-escalate violent situations, to protect victims, to reduce officer injury, to reduce repeat calls, to enforce the law against violators, to effect community safety, and to facilitate prosecution, where applicable. The purpose of responding to these calls is also to protect the victim and summon emergency medical care if needed, and to further protect the victim by informing her/him of community resources available such as shelter facilities and support programs.
Shippensburg Police Department introduced a new domestic violence policy to its officers and to the community. It is the policy of the Shippensburg Police Department that if an officer has probable cause to believe that a person has committed a crime involving domestic abuse, whether the crime is a misdemeanor or felony, and was committed within or without the presence of the officer, the preferred response of the officer is arrest. This pro- arrest policy encourages officers to make arrests when probable cause exists, while still allowing the officer to evaluate the dynamics of the situation in making an arrest determination.
The overall message to our community regarding domestic violence it this: If you are a victim of domestic violence, we want to help you get out of your difficult situation. Many times the answers aren't as easy for victims as "just leave." We want to help you get out and stay out through the available resources of our community and the criminal justice system.
If you are a perpetrator of domestic violence our message is this: Physically abuse your spouse, child or significant other and you will go to jail. The Shippensburg Police Department is committed to presenting strong cases against perpetrators of domestic violence to help secure a successful prosecution.
 

Domestic Violence Service of Cumberland & Perry County