¶ … evidence, it seems possible that an altercation occurred between the husband and wife and the two of them are 'covering' up this incident. Ideally, a detective with expertise in domestic violence cases should be in charge of the investigation. Separate officers should interview both the wife and husband before the couple has a chance to 'get their stories straight,' and note any inconsistencies between the two accounts. The other officers involved should attempt to exclude any other possible explanations for the injuries, eliminating the possibility that a so-called burglary did occur. The patrol officer who has established a rapport with the children should clearly be a presence during the interview process, given that children can be notoriously difficult interview subjects and it is helpful to have a comforting figure to support them. Interviewed independently, the children might be more forthcoming than either parent about the details of the husband's assault on the wife. However, given that the patrol officer is not of higher rank nor experienced in interviewing either minors or individuals involved in high-profile cases as an experienced investigator in this field, he should not conduct the interrogations alone. Another concern regarding interviewing children is the legal limitations placed upon interrogations. No states categorically prohibit the interrogation of minors without a parent present. However, some states do prohibit the interrogation of children unless the children consult with their parents first (Coppolo 2000).
Domestic violence cases often present frustrating psychological features for officers, given that the most reliable witness (the victim) is often unwilling to turn in her husband, for fear of repercussions or a false feeling that he is showing his 'affection' for her when he hurts her. The psychology of the battered wife is one reason why officers experienced in dealing with such issues should be placed in charge of the case. Also, for women who wish to leave but fear they cannot do so because they have 'nowhere to go,' the officers should be aware of social support such as battered women's shelters and other ways in which the wife can feel safe and protected -- and thus more comfortable about revealing the truth about her husband.
References
Coppolo, G. (2000). Interrogation of minors. Retrieved:
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