2021-015 Domestic ViolenceMarch 5, 2021 Report No. 2021-015
INFORMAL STAFF REPORT
TO MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
SUBJECT:
Domestic Violence
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
During the February 12, 2021 Council Retreat, City Council members discussed how the Denton
Police Department (DPD) educates, enforces, and works with partner agencies and the
community to prevent domestic violence. This Informal Staff Report provides Mayor Hudspeth
and Council information on how DPD is working to enforce Domestic Violence laws, educate
the public, and protect victims.
DISCUSSION:
In mid-2017, the Denton Police Department partnered with International Association of Chiefs
of Police (IACP) and Denton County Friends of the Family (DCFOF), through a grant, to train
our officers to use a victim-centered approach in domestic violence cases. Specifically,
nationally recognized trainers brought training to Denton that focused on Sex Assault and
Strangulation. Additionally, the department attended training at other locations, and culminated
in a meeting at the IACP Headquarters with the other departments who participated in the grant.
Since January of 2019, the Denton Police Department has been in the process of completely
overhauling existing policies (General Orders). As part of our agency Mission statement, we
included language that was developed between DPD and IACP that says in part, “by keeping
victims safe and holding offenders accountable.”
The Denton Police Department works very closely with Denton County Friends of the Family in
outreach, education, and initiatives. DPD is a flagship agency for the Domestic Violence High
Risk Team (DVHRT), which brings together law enforcement, prosecutors, probation/parole,
counseling, and DCFOF to staff cases monthly. During these meetings, high-risk cases are
discussed in a holistic manner, looking at all angles of them and those involved. An emphasis is
made on keeping survivors safe from ongoing or escalating violence and connected to services.
Additionally, DPD attends and participates in several community conversations facilitated by
DCFOF, including “An Evening of Raised Awareness” on February 26, 2021, and “The Impact
of COVID on Domestic Violence Cases,” to name a few.
One very important initiative DPD is working on in 2021 is our Domestic Violence Strategic
Plan, which will include our identifying and proactively tracking dangerous offenders in high-
risk cases. We know in law enforcement that many times domestic violence cases begin with
verbal abuse and intimidation and escalates to physical assault. Sometimes these cases manifest
themselves in the most tragic manner: a domestic-related homicide. In 2020, the City of Denton
had three (3) such cases.
March 5, 2021 Report No. 2021-015
The Denton Police Department is committed to maintaining our multi-faceted focus on training,
equipment, and best practiced policy. All these areas are reviewed on, at a minimum, an annual
basis, but many times as an ongoing practice.
Additionally, this legislative session, Chief Dixon is lending his support for a bill to be named
the Christine Blubaugh Act in coordination with other North Texas Chiefs. The bill, named in
memory of a high school student killed by a former boyfriend, will create an ongoing educational
program for public school children that will focus on education and awareness of domestic
violence and dating violence.
The department continues to utilize our social media channels and the City of Denton
Communications team to facilitate the sharing of pertinent information related to domestic
violence and will continue in this effort. Please feel free to reach out to Chief Dixon if you have
any questions or concerns.
ATTACHMENTS:
Christine Blubaugh Act
STAFF CONTACT:
Frank Dixon, Chief of Police / Interim Assistant City Manager
940-349-7925
Frank.dixon@cityofdenton.com
REQUESTOR:
City Council
STAFF TIME TO COMPLETE REPORT:
4 hours
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