CMPD Will Train Their Officers To Better Respond To Domestic Violence Crimes

CHARLOTTE, NC– CMPD is training their officers to better respond to domestic violence crimes. The department is taking action in light of the recent homicides in our area, all starting with cases of domestic violence then ending in tragedy.

It’s not just CMPD that’s taking action. Domestic violence community partners are working to bring a Family Justice Center to Mecklenburg County, making it a one stop shop for domestic violence victims.

Sgt. Craig Varmum says when someone in a domestic violence relationship is strangled, they are 700 to 800 times more likely to  be killed by that abuser. Experts from the Institute on Strangulation Prevention will train CMPD officers in strangulation investigation.

“Our goal is to educate not only our officers but our entire community of the severity of this crime,” says Sgt. Craig Varmum.

The four homicides this month, all started with domestic violence. Prompting  a big push in the community for a family justice center, where all resources for victims will be in one building.

“You have a lot of the key community partners located in one building so we can eliminated all of the foot traffic that victims and survivors usually have to do when seeking help,” says Director of Safe Alliance Victim Assistance Jamie Sellers.