Huntley Cops Trying to Cut Domestic Violence Reports, Make Changes to Protocol

Huntley police are making changes to the department’s domestic violence protocol to improve help to victims and to reduce domestic violence reports by 3 percent this year.

Police Chief John Perkins outlined a few of the changes . The department’s goal is to reduce reports this year, he said.

Part of the effort includes tracking repeat offenders, Perkins said. By focusing on households that have repeat domestic violence calls, it will help curb incidents, he said.

“A lot of our domestic violence cases are minor in nature, fighting over finances, fighting over the remote control. Those are very tough to prevent, it just happens,” the chief said. “But we are really trying to clamp down on repeated calls and deal more aggressively with those.”

Officers also are gathering more information from victims about the reason for the argument or altercation, said Sgt. Linda Hooten, domestic violence coordinator.

The information will help officers determine issues at the heart of the domestic incidents, she said. If police see a pattern, the department can work with other agencies to develop workshops or lectures addressing the issue, she said. For example, if arguments are the result of financial problems, the department may reach out to agencies to offer free programs that help people sort out their finances, she said.

Another part of the department’s initiative to reduce domestic violence cases is giving victims more information. Hooten compiled a list of resources in McHenry and Kane counties that offer assistance. Huntley police provide information about agencies that provide food, clothing, shelter and transportation as well as help finding a job and financial assistance during follow-up calls with the victims, she said.

“We are hoping that will empower them and give them some kind of guidance,” she said. “If they don’t want to reach out to us when they leave, there are other agencies that can help.”

Officers also are gathering more evidence, such as telephone records or emails, that help make cases stronger in court, Hooten said.

“We have officers who are very compassionate on these calls and go the extra mile to help victims and do follow up,” she said.

However, no matter how many changes Huntley police make to the domestic violence protocol, “there’s only so much police can do,” Hooten said, adding, “but we do everything in our power to help them.”