CITY OF FOUNTAIN VALLEY, 
      CA
Mayor James 
      Petrikin 

      

    Police 
      Chaplain Domestic Violence Follow-Up    
The Fountain 
      Valley Police Department Chaplain Program was initiated in September of 
      1994. All area clergy were invited to attend a planning seminar to discuss 
      their involvement in community policing efforts particularly including 
      their areas of professional expertise. Area clergy were given training in 
      death notification, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, officer-involved 
      shootings, post-traumatic stress, domestic violence and other related 
      issues. Participating clergy members now wear clothing clearly identifying 
      them as POLICE CHAPLAINS and accompany uniformed patrol on their assigned 
      tours of duty. Chaplains are also available for "call out" support. These 
      chaplains provide on-the-spot counseling for the community and a ministry 
      of presence and available support for Fountain Valley police officers. 
      Since February, 1997, the Police Chaplains have provided an additional 
      service designed to support and provide further referral to victims of 
      domestic violence. They review all domestic violence reports involving the 
      issuance of an Emergency Restraining Order. Then the chaplains contact the 
      protected party during the time in which the Emergency Restraining Order 
      is in effect. The chaplain contact provides several benefits 
      including:

    
    
      
  • The 
        protected party is again offered an explanation of the Emergency 
        Restraining Order and how to obtain a Permanent Restraining 
        Order;          
                 
    
      
  • They are 
        cautioned against permitting or inviting violation of the Emergency 
        Restraining Order;         
          
    
      
  • They are 
        told that any underlying charges are filed by the Department and 
        District Attorney's Office and, hence, they are not responsible for 
        choosing whether or not charges will be filed; and           
                    
              
    
      
  • They are 
        given referral to further counseling services as 
      needed.         
    
      
    • 
    

    
This program 
      is completely voluntary in nature, with no budget and no paid support 
      staff. It is run by one liaison police officer and eight local clergy. The 
      program is currently being evaluated primarily on the basis of whether it 
      reduces the recurrent nature of many domestic violence 
      situations.           
                   
                 
          

    
CONTACT: Det. Sgt. Dann Bean or Paul McInnis, 
      10200 Slater Avenue, Fountain Valley, CA 92708, Telephone - (714) 
      965-4468, Fax - (714) 965-4482.        
                
    

    
 

      
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