It is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and in Danville – Public Safety Director Larry Thomason says officers have responded to over 4,200 domestic disturbance calls so far this year. ‘’It’s an alarming number – something we would like to find a way to get around to work with,’’ said Thomason. ‘’Domestic disturbances occur in the home. They are usually between family members, or at least related extended members. And there are a lot of programs there to try to direct people to for information, and maybe a way to resolve those conflicts. But the truth is we handle that many calls – domestic related – in the community.’’
Director Thomason discussed the issue with members of the Danville Public Services Committee of the City Council this week. He noted every time there is a domestic disturbance call a minimum of two officers respond to it. And Thomason adds if the complaining witness is still on the scene, police immediately interview that person on tape. ‘’Because too often what happens – much like why there are two officers minimum who goes on such a call – once you’re there, someone decides I don’t want to see that person leave, then they turn on the police,’’ says Thomason. ‘’They’ll turn on each other – but they’ll turn on the source that’s going to take them from their home. The same happens when it comes to the commitment to go forward with the complaint in the Vermilion County courts. They back away from that – so committing them to some type of statement gives the State’s Attorney an opportunity then to go forward with the prosecution.’’
Director Thomason also says if those involved in a domestic disturbance do not own the property – police notify the property owner. He says that is because there is often property damage during such disturbances.
