MCOLES Domestic Violence Response Questions and Answers

Question 1

An officer responds to a domestic dispute.
Upon arrival, the officer develops probable cause to believe a man committed domestic assault against his live-in girlfriend, leaving a visible red mark on her arm.
The victim states she does not want to press charges and asks the officer to leave.
According to MCL 764.15a, what is the officer's proper course of action?

Accepted Answer

Arrest the male suspect based on the probable cause that a domestic assault occurred.

Answer

Respect the victim's wishes and take no action other than filing an informational report.

Answer

Issue a citation to the male suspect and order him to leave the residence for 24 hours.

Answer

Arrest both parties since the victim is now being uncooperative with the investigation.

Question 2

Under Michigan's domestic violence statutes (e.g., MCL 750.81), which of the following relationships qualifies as a "domestic relationship" for the purpose of charging domestic assault?

Accepted Answer

An individual and a person with whom they have a child in common, regardless of marital status.

Answer

A landlord and a tenant involved in a dispute over rent.

Answer

Two coworkers who have a disagreement at their place of employment.

Answer

Two neighbors who share a property line and are arguing over a fence.

Question 3

During an investigation where both parties in a domestic relationship have injuries and claim to be the victim, which of the following is a critical factor an officer must consider when determining the predominant aggressor under MCL 776.22?

Accepted Answer

The extent to which the individuals have been put in fear of physical injury.

Answer

The gender of each party involved.

Answer

Who initiated the call to 911.

Answer

Which party is willing to leave the residence for the night.

Question 4

A victim of domestic violence states that their partner put both hands around their neck and squeezed, making it difficult to breathe for several seconds. The officer observes no visible marks on the victim's neck. Based on these facts, which of the following is the most appropriate charge to consider under Michigan law?

Accepted Answer

Assault by Strangulation or Suffocation.

Answer

Attempted Murder.

Answer

No crime can be charged, as there is no visible physical evidence of injury.

Answer

Simple Assault and Battery.

Question 5

An officer is dispatched to enforce a valid Personal Protection Order (PPO). The officer confirms through LEIN that the PPO is active and prohibits the respondent from being at the petitioner's residence. The officer finds the respondent on the front porch. The respondent claims the petitioner invited them over. What is the officer's proper action under MCL 764.15b?

Accepted Answer

The officer has authority to arrest the respondent without a warrant for the PPO violation.

Answer

The officer must witness the respondent commit a separate crime before arresting.

Answer

The officer must obtain a warrant before arresting for a PPO violation.

Answer

The officer should leave, as a verbal invitation temporarily invalidates the PPO.

Question 6

In addition to conducting a thorough investigation and making arrests when appropriate, what is a mandatory duty of a peace officer after investigating or intervening in a domestic violence incident, according to MCL 764.15c?

Accepted Answer

Provide the victim with a written notice containing information on local shelters and their legal rights.

Answer

Force the victim to write and sign a detailed witness statement before leaving the scene.

Answer

Obtain a promise from the victim that they will appear in court to testify.

Answer

Immediately transport the victim to the police station for a forensic interview.