Dear Representatives Elfreth and Evans,
I am writing on behalf of the members of the Fraternal Order of Police to advise you of our support for H.R. 7494, the ‘‘Preventing Domestic Violence Homicides Through Lethality Assessment Training and Technical Assistance Act.”
Domestic violence calls are some of the most common and dangerous calls that law enforcement officers respond to. While our officers do their best to resolve these situations peacefully, the unfortunate reality is that when our officers arrive, the individuals may have already been hurt or even killed. In many jurisdictions, law enforcement officers complete a “lethality assessment” to determine the physical risk to the victim and to encourage the victim to connect with social services that have the expertise in helping victims of domestic violence. Sadly, officers may respond to multiple calls over the course of months or years, and these assessments help inform law enforcement actions and decisions on future calls.
Your legislation would direct the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to establish a National Lethality Assessment Program Grant Resource Center to train and provide technical assistance to agencies and promote the adoption of lethality assessment programs at the State and local level. The center established by this legislation would help connect victims of domestic violence with community-based service programs and help law enforcement officers identify and respond to domestic violence situations in which the victim may be killed.
On behalf of the 382,000 members of the FOP, thank you both for your leadership on this legislation. If we can provide any additional information or support for this bill, please do not hesitate to contact me or Executive Director Jim Pasco in our Washington, D.C. office.
Sincerely,
Patrick Yoes
National President