Citation

Finn MA, Bettis P. Violence Against Women 2006; 12(3): 268-287.

Affiliation

Georgia State University, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2006, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/1077801206286218

PMID

16456152

Abstract

Mandatory and preferred arrest policies may be resulting in a backlash for victims who are arrested along with their batterers. Little prior research has explored why officers engage in dual arrests. The current study examines the rationales employed by officers to justify dual arrests in a preferred arrest jurisdiction. Content analysis of thought protocols of police officers (n=24) who reported they would arrest both parties was undertaken. Officers justified arrest of both parties, citing that such was required by law and the desire to force both parties to obtain counseling for their relationship. Implications for policy development are examined.