MCOLES Domestic Violence Response 5

Question 1

A victim tells an officer her abuser tracked her location using a secretly installed app on her phone. This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Technology-facilitated stalking and coercive control

Answer

Covertly installing tracking software on a partner's device without consent constitutes stalking and is a form of technology-facilitated coercive control prosecutable under Michigan law.

Question 2

When documenting injuries in a DV report, the officer should use which type of language?

Accepted Answer

Objective, descriptive language such as '3 cm laceration on left cheekbone'

Answer

Objective, specific, measurable descriptions of injuries — size, color, location, shape — create the strongest evidentiary record and withstand cross-examination.

Question 3

A DV victim expresses fear that calling for help will result in her undocumented immigration status being reported. The officer's best response is to:

Accepted Answer

Explain that Michigan police focus on the crime itself and victim safety, not immigration status

Answer

Officers should reassure DV victims that local law enforcement's role is to investigate the crime and protect safety, not to enforce immigration law, to encourage reporting.

Question 4

Which of the following best describes 'safety planning' as part of a DV response?

Accepted Answer

Collaborating with the victim to identify options and steps to increase her safety given her specific circumstances

Answer

Safety planning is a victim-centered, collaborative process that helps the victim identify realistic options and protective steps tailored to her unique situation and readiness.

Question 5

Under Michigan law, an arrest for domestic assault made without a warrant requires that the officer:

Accepted Answer

Have probable cause to believe the assault occurred, even if the officer did not witness it

Answer

Michigan's DV statute permits warrantless arrest based on probable cause that domestic assault occurred, regardless of whether the officer witnessed the assault or has a victim statement.

MCOLES - Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards Practice Test

MCOLES - Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards Practice Test

MCOLES Domestic Violence Response 5