"The Most Dangerous Call." Framing of Domestic Violence Incidents in the Police Academy.

• In Event: Police and Recruitment Issues

Abstract

Police officers routinely serve as the first responders in domestic violence incidents. The knowledge and attitudes they hold about such calls can greatly influence their ability to ensure the safety and well-being of the victim and collect appropriate evidence for prosecution of the offender. Based on a full participation observation of a 22-week police academy, this study explores how police academy socialization plays a pivotal role in shaping recruits' perceptions and responses to domestic violence calls. Recruits undergo intensive training that emphasizes the inherent risks and dangers associated with domestic violence incidents, fostering a climate of apprehension and caution. Through simulated scenarios, case studies, and peer interactions, recruits internalize narratives of vulnerability and threat, which contribute to the construction of fear surrounding domestic violence calls.

Authors

• Jason Clark-Miller, Tarrant County College Northwest Campus

• Stacey Nofziger, The University of Akron