CPD's DOVE unit investigates domestic violence

The unit handles all aspects of the investigation and trail.

By Nichole Ballard

Published Oct. 9, 2009

On Feb. 2, 1998, with the passage of the STOP Violence Against Women Grant, the Domestic Violence Enforcement Unit was formed at Columbia Police Department. The DOVE unit uses a cumulative approach to investigate, prosecute and aid victims of domestic violence in Columbia.

According to the CPD Web site, the unit consists of detectives, a victim's advocate and prosecuting attorneys who work together on cases in Columbia and throughout Boone County.

"A coordinated community approach with our community is needed," CPD Detective Jeff Westbrook said.

The unit has two main objectives when handling domestic violence cases.

"It's very, very simple for us," Westbrook said. "We have two things we do, hold the offender accountable and keeping people safe. The second is the most important."

Westbrook has been through training across the country, specializing in domestic abuse. He said there isn't much difference between Columbia's college-dominated town and the rest of the United States.

"What we typically see with our younger residents is it's under-reported," he said.

Westbrook said non-reported incidents are a major problem to law-enforcement when dealing with domestic violence.

"We have had around 1,000 cases per year for the last 10 years," he said. "Twenty-five percent of cases are unreported. That's 3,000 assaults that we never see."

DOVE utilizes a process to deal with each case. When a 911 call is received, officers respond and conduct an initial investigation of the disturbance. If there is evidence domestic violence has occurred, the DOVE unit takes over the investigation, Westbrook said.

The DOVE detectives call the victims to interview them about the incident and work to obtain evidence. An advocate also communicates with the victim, assists in obtaining restraining orders and provides for the safety of the victim.

Aleshia Marso is a city DOVE Advocate for The Shelter and works with CPD.

"I accompany the women up to the judge,” Marso said. “I can't speak for them. I serve as a buffer for support."

Marso helps domestic violence victims face their abusers in court.

"It is oftentimes a very intimidating and scary situation, facing someone who has hurt you on many levels," Marso said in an e-mail. "That is why it is so important to provide good emotional support before and after the hearing."

Marso also assists in helping victims fill out paperwork, such as orders of protection, and also helps locate safe, affordable housing. Marso said it could be difficult for victims to go from a two-income household to one.

Westbrook said abusers receive parole and counseling for a third degree first-time assault.

Boone County Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Andrea Hayes said abusers typically receive a term of probation along with Men Exploring Non-Violent Directions.

"It can be the first time," Hayes said. "It depends what happened and the injuries."

Hayes is one of the three prosecuting attorneys assigned to the DOVE unit. The attorneys build a case based on the evidence gathered by DOVE detectives.

"We work with our detectives who provide follow up investigation and photographs," Hayes said. "I look for physical evidence."

This includes injuries and any witnesses to the assault.

"911 calls are very important in these cases," Hayes said.