In the case of attempted or threatened battery involving domestic violence, what is the arrest protocol?

In cases of attempted or threatened battery that involve domestic violence, the arrest protocol necessitates a mandatory arrest. This means that law enforcement officers are obligated to arrest an alleged perpetrator if there is probable cause to believe that a domestic violence offense has occurred.

The rationale behind this protocol is rooted in the severity and potential escalation of domestic violence situations. Mandatory arrest policies are designed to enhance victim safety and prevent future violence. By requiring law enforcement to take action whenever there is probable cause, the law aims to provide victims with immediate protection and sends a clear message that domestic violence will not be tolerated.

This protocol takes precedence even in situations where the victim might not wish to pursue charges, as the focus is on ensuring safety and addressing the dynamics of power and control often present in domestic violence cases. Therefore, when law enforcement has sufficient grounds to believe that a domestic violence incident occurred, they are legally bound to enforce the law through an arrest.