SPD talk about domestic violence

While appearing on Sheridan Media’s Public Pulse program, Sheridan Police Department Lieutenants Dan Keller and James Hill addressed domestic violence in Sheridan. 

The upcoming month of October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 36% of women in Wyoming and 36% of men in Wyoming experience intimate partner physical violence, intimate partner sexual violence, and – or intimate partner stalking in their lifetimes.

SPD Lt. J. Hill

The officers and their teams take the investigations of domestic violence seriously and conduct the investigations with all the policies and practices used in other serious crimes. Both Hill and Keller agree, any violence is too much violence and the department follows a specific tiered program to intervene, with an officer responding to about two calls per week. 

If a first offense is investigated and found to be without violence, involved parties are given an informational brochure with a list of resources that may be helpful such as job assistance and substance abuse counseling.

If an arrest occurs, the victim is referred to the Advocacy and Resource Center and detectives meet the suspect in the detention center and deliver a message stating that the Sheridan community views these offenses as serious matters and violence will not be tolerated. 

If a subsequent offense occurs, a letter outlining possible legal consequences is sent to the offender and the police begin to work more closely with county prosecutors to build a strong case against the offender. 

As seasoned officers, the lieutenants have investigated many incidents in their careers. Keller told listeners that he has learned many different aspects regarding offenders during his investigations, but to always remember that domestic violence is never acceptable and in most cases, it’s about control. 

If you need help, contact the Sheridan Police Department at 307-672-2413 or the Advocacy and Resource Center at 307-672-3222.