Which arrest approach should be avoided on domestic violence calls?

• A. Duel arrest
• B. Arrest after a formal complaint
• C. Arrest with a warrant
• D. Arrest after a cooling-off period

Answer: (A)

On domestic violence calls, the risk-focused approach is to avoid arresting both parties. Dual arrests can put the victim at ongoing risk, complicate who is responsible for the incident, and erode trust in law enforcement when victims feel they’ll be arrested too. They also can obscure the true dynamics of the situation, making prosecutions harder if self-defense or mutual use of force claims arise. The emphasis should be on making an arrest only when there is clear evidence of criminal conduct by a specific individual, rather than reflexively detaining both people involved. Other options—arrest after a formal complaint, arrest with a warrant, or arrest after a cooling-off period—are targeted decisions based on evidence, probable cause, or de-escalation needs, and may be appropriate in certain circumstances.