SPD hands out pamphlets to help struggling couples with hopes of preventing escalation

The Sheridan Police Department provides specific training to officers to investigate and deescalate domestic violence and intimate partner violence disturbances. 

While appearing on Sheridan Media’s Public Pulse, SPD Chief Travis Koltiska and Captain Tom Ringley spoke on intimate partner violence and the procedures used by the force to deescalate these situations. 

Studies have shown intimate partner violence –a pervasive, life threatening crime– affects millions of individuals across the United States regardless of age, economic status, race, religion, or education.

  Capt. T. Ringley

In 2017, (the first year the SPD began to keep track of these numbers specifically), SPD officers responded to 172 reported incidents. In 2022, the department responded to 100 incidents. Last year, in 2023, SPD responded to 74 incidents.  

  Capt. T. Ringley

According to the Captain, addressing IPV is difficult. It is a type of crime that law enforcement has, in the past, not targeted in a systematic way. 

The SPD has taken a stance on prevention of IPV. Investigations of these violent incidents are taken seriously and cases are built for the Sheridan County Attorney’s Office with the same care and consideration as other assaults.  

But when the SPD arrives on scenes of couples engaged in verbal altercations a pamphlet containing contact numbers of agencies that may help is handed out. 

After conducting research and working with community partners, SPD Lieutenant James Hill developed the “Resources for Relationships” pamphlet. 

It is the hope of the SPD that if these couples need it, they can reach out to these agencies and get help to solve the root causes of the conflict and prevent possible future altercations from escalating. 

If you are in an IPV situation and need immediate assistance dial 911. The Sheridan Advocacy and Resource Center also has a 24/7 crisis line at (307) 672-3222. If you get the opportunity to get away from your abuser call (307) 672-7471 or stop into their office at 136 Coffeen Ave.