Domestic Violence & Police Response in Oregon
What survivors may expect when Oregon police respond to DV calls.
Understanding Police Actions and Protective Orders
Police Scene Actions
When police respond to a call involving domestic violence, they typically assess the situation to understand what happened. Their goal is to ensure immediate safety and gather information. This may include separating individuals involved, taking statements, and checking for injuries. Police may also document evidence and report to the court system if necessary.
Arrest vs Citation
In some cases, police may arrest a person suspected of domestic violence, which means they take them into custody to await further legal action. An arrest usually follows when there is probable cause or if a crime occurred. Alternatively, police might issue a citation, which is a formal notice to appear in court without being taken into custody immediately. The choice between arrest and citation varies depending on the situation and local laws.
No-Contact Orders
No-contact orders are legal instructions that prohibit one person from communicating with or approaching another. These can be issued by a court or requested by police during an incident. The goal is to reduce contact to prevent further harm or intimidation while legal matters are resolved.
How FAPA Orders Interact
FAPA stands for Firearms Prohibition Order, which may be issued alongside other protective measures. It restricts the possession or purchase of firearms by individuals accused or convicted of domestic violence offenses. This order works in conjunction with other protections such as no-contact orders to enhance safety.