Domestic Violence & Police Response in South Dakota
What survivors may expect when SPD or local police respond to DV calls.
Police Response Process
The police response begins when a report of a domestic violence incident is received. Officers arrive on scene to ensure immediate safety, assess the situation, and separate involved parties if needed. They gather evidence, interview witnesses, and document the incident. Their primary role is to protect survivors and enforce the law, which may include making an arrest if probable cause exists.
Arrest vs Report
An arrest occurs when police have sufficient evidence to take a suspect into custody for committing a crime. It triggers formal legal proceedings. A report is the documentation of the incident details by police without an immediate arrest. Sometimes, investigations continue after a report if evidence is insufficient initially.
Prosecutor Involvement
After arrest or investigation, the prosecutor reviews evidence to decide whether to file charges and pursue prosecution. They work to hold offenders accountable while considering survivor safety and wishes. Victims may be supported in navigating this process through local advocacy services. More information and resources are available at DV Support.
No-Contact Orders
No-contact orders are legal directives that prohibit the alleged abuser from contacting or approaching the survivor. These orders may be issued by a court at various stages, such as during arrest, prosecution, or protective order hearings. Violations of no-contact orders can result in further legal consequences to ensure survivor safety.