#DomesticViolence #dv Faribault, MN-State Sen. Vicki Jensen, DFL-Owatonna, is working to amend a law that allows perpetrators of some misdemeanor domestic assaults to avoid arrest by evading police for more than 24 hours. Often, these perpetrators are repeat offenders who know the system. “In rural jurisdictions, 24 hours does not give enough time for law enforcement to apprehend the perpetrator, especially when the offense occurs on or near weekends or holidays,” Jensen said in an email. “This is due to lower levels of staffing and longer distances that must be traveled to apprehend and make arrests.” The amendment would make the law consistent with other domestic violence offenses which have no time limit for warrantless arrests, Jensen said. The Minnesota Coalition for Battered Women proposed the legislation after convening with advocates last summer to address concerns about recent domestic homicides. “Felony domestic assaults and misdemeanor domestic assaults involving the violation of an order for protection have no arrest timeframe, however, with misdemeanor domestic assault, an arrest must be made within 24 hours of the incident,” said MCBW executive director Liz Richards. “The proposed legislation would move misdemeanor domestic assault into the same category as misdemeanor domestic assault with an OFP violation.” The legislation aims to improve the way cases are handled, clarify current law and avoid confusion. “We’re fully in support of this bill because it helps keeps victims safe and is less confusing for both the victim and law enforcement,” said Erica Staab, executive director of HOPE Center in Faribault. “Given that we’re a rural jurisdiction, 24 hours is often not enough time, plus we have a smaller police force,” Staab said. “If it goes beyond the 24 hours, we can’t physically arrest them, but we proceed with charges for domestic assault and hold them accountable,” said Rice County Chief Deputy Dave Stensrud. The prosecutor either writes up a complaint requiring the accused to appear in court or a complaint warrant which allows an arrest, according to Stensrud. “I’ve known of situations where the offender has fled and hidden, which makes it very difficult for the woman, knowing he’s still out there,” said Ruth Hickey, the executive director of Ruth’s House in Faribault. “It’s terrifying. It affects kids and everyone involved.” southernminn/faribault_daily_news/news/local/article_934da44e-46af-5026-adfc-dc7792a0f7b9.html -J
Posted on: Thu, 16 Jan 2014 16:35:00 +0000
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