MPOETC Domestic Violence & Family Crisis Response

Question 1

Under Pennsylvania's Protection from Abuse Act (23 Pa.C.S. § 6113), a law enforcement officer MUST make an arrest when responding to a domestic violence situation if:

Accepted Answer

The officer has probable cause to believe a PFA order has been violated

Answer

The victim requests an arrest and signs a complaint at the scene

Answer

The alleged abuser is still present when police arrive

Answer

Physical injuries are visible on the victim's face or body

Question 2

A domestic violence victim at the scene tells the officer, 'I don't want him arrested — please just make him leave for the night.' The officer has probable cause that an assault occurred. The officer should:

Accepted Answer

Arrest the suspect based on probable cause, regardless of the victim's preference

Answer

Honor the victim's request and issue a no-contact verbal warning to the suspect

Answer

Document the incident and advise the victim to file a private complaint later

Answer

Call a supervisor to make the arrest decision since the victim is uncooperative

Question 3

When documenting injuries at a domestic violence scene, which practice is MOST important for supporting prosecution if the victim later recants?

Accepted Answer

Photographing all visible injuries and documenting the victim's demeanor, statements, and condition at the scene

Answer

Recording the officer's opinion about which party is more credible

Answer

Obtaining written signed statements from the victim before leaving the scene

Answer

Interviewing neighbors to establish the couple's relationship history

Question 4

A temporary Protection from Abuse order (TPFA) is issued ex parte (without the defendant present). Under Pennsylvania law, this order is valid for:

Accepted Answer

Until a full hearing is held, which must be scheduled within 10 business days

Answer

24 hours from the time of issuance

Answer

72 hours or until the defendant can be served

Answer

30 days, after which it automatically becomes a final order

Question 5

Research shows that which type of physical assault during domestic violence is a particularly strong predictor of future lethality and requires special documentation and medical referral?

Accepted Answer

Strangulation (choking)

Answer

Slapping or open-hand strikes to the face

Answer

Pushing or shoving that causes falls

Answer

Hair pulling or scratching

Question 6

Officers responding to domestic violence calls separate the parties before conducting interviews. The PRIMARY reason for this practice is:

Accepted Answer

To prevent the abuser from intimidating, coaching, or threatening the victim during questioning

Answer

To allow the abuser time to calm down before making a statement

Answer

To comply with Pennsylvania's Evidence Code requirements for witness separation

Answer

To allow the officer to search the residence without consent issues