Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #105098

Robyn R.M. Gershon, MHS DrPH¹, Michael Tiburzi, MA, DO², Susan X. Lin, MPH³, and Melissa Erwin, BA¹. (1) Sociomedical Sciences, Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health, 600 west 168th st, 4th floor, New York, NY 10032, 212 305-1186, rg405@columbia.edu, (2) Greeneville Memorial Medical Center, 701 Grove Road, Greeneville, SC 29605, (3) School of Nursing, Columbia University, 630 West 168th Street, New York, NY 10032

Purpose: To identify risk factors for intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetrated by police officers.

Methods: Data from a large metropolitan police department were abstracted from IPV incident reports filed against police officers (1992-1998). Information was collected on demographics, accusations made against the perpetrators, administrative case disposition, and final criminal disposition.

Results: The majority of the case reports (n= 106) involved middle-aged, male patrol officers (mean= 34 years). Most (70%) were from a racial/ethnic minority group, with an average tenure of eight years. Most were assigned to high crime index precincts. The types of assault included both physical (battering) and sexual assault. Twelve of the cases involved threats, including threats of bodily harm with a weapon (most often a gun), 23% of the accused officers had a history of at least one prior IPV report on file with the department and 5% had two or more priors. The majority (64%) of accused officers were immediately suspended from duty, 26% had a protection order issued against them, and 17% were immediately arrested. The final administrative disposition of most (92%) cases resulted in no action, usually because of a lack of testimony or unsupported evidence (61%), and lack of physical evidence (31%).

Conclusion: The final disposition of reports of IPV by police officers was similar to national data on IPV; both are similarly impeded by lack of testimony and corroboration, although the reasons might vary. Further research is needed on how best to sustain criminal charges in IPV cases involving police officers.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe the risk factors for IPV in police officers.
• Describe the disposition of cases.
• List some of the barriers to criminal prosecution of police officers charged with assault or domestic violence offenses.

Keywords: Women, Violence

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.

Recorded presentation