Domestic Violence Crimes in Lakeland, FL

This article explains how officers with the Lakeland Police Department investigate domestic violence crimes.

At the Lakeland Police Department, the patrol officers are trained in domestic violence response and investigation. These officers receive periodic updates and additional training at the Mini Academy and Field Training Program.

Although all agency members receive specialized training in the field of domestic violence investigations, the Lakeland Police Department uses specially trained members to intervene in instances of domestic violence.

Necessary referrals for the victim of domestic violence in Lakeland, FL, will be made by the responding officer. Those referrals include an information packet from the Peace River Center.

During a domestic violence investigation, officers are trained to complete the domestic violence/dating violence checklist and forward a copy to the DART coordinator.

Attorney for Domestic Violence Crimes in Lakeland, FL

If you were arrested for domestic violence by an officer with the Lakeland Police Department, contact an attorney at Sammis Law Firm. We represent clients throughout Lakeland and the surrounding areas in Polk County, FL.

During the initial consultation, we can explain the domestic violence crime pending against you, the typical penalties for that offense, and ways to fight the charges in court.

We also represent clients served with an injunction for protection from domestic violence.

Don’t face the judge alone.

Call 813-250-0500.


Domestic Abuse Response Team at Lakeland Police Department

During domestic violence battery investigations, officers at the Lakeland Police Department follow standard operating procedures. For example, General Order 15-1, issued on 01/13/2012 and last revised on 04/19/2019, establishes the function and responsibilities of the Domestic Abuse Response Team (DART).

The DART Coordinator is responsible for attending meetings, assisting with transportation for victims, providing Domestic Violence training, and preparing monthly and quarterly reports and requests from chain-of-command.

If necessary, the DART Coordinator advocates directly for the victim with law enforcement agencies or hospital personnel. The DART Coordinator also reviews each Domestic Violence report daily for follow-up.

Comprised of patrol officers, DART is a component of the Community Services Division (CSD/Community Services Section). Each of the four patrol squads has DART Officers and one squad leader who provides added support to Patrol Officers during domestic violence calls.


This article was last updated on Thursday, June 29, 2023.