Answering the Call to Domestic Violence

The numbers were increasingly alarming.

In 2009, the Long Beach Police Department had more than 550 reported cases of domestic violence with 62 arrests, but in 2010 those cases had risen to 880 with 81 arrests.

In response, the LBPD created a Domestic Violence Task Force in January, and 10 months later that unit — consisting of police officers Bruce Azueta and Roland Menendez and Detective Orlando Garcia — were given a Certificate of Recognition from Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano and Nassau County Department of Social Services Commissioner Dr. John E. Imhof.

At a ceremony in his Mineola office last week, Mangano said he was proud to acknowledge their efforts in addressing “this serious public health problem. Their work on behalf of the Long Beach Police Department brings dignity and hope to those who are the innocent victims of family and domestic violence.”

Imhof, who chairs the county’s Force on Family Violence, said the LBPD trio contributed to the county’s efforts to reduce incidents of family and domestic violence. “Their dedication, compassion and leadership sets an example for us all in recognizing that only through our strong partnership with law enforcement will those responsible for family violence be apprehended and brought to justice,” he said.

Long Beach’s domestic violence unit was created this year after the department reviewed the reported incidents, department policy, and how the department can improve the community's needs in this area, according to LBPD Commissioner Thomas Sofield Sr.

“This presentation by Nassau County Executive Mangano and Commissioner Imhof validates that our efforts have been successful thus far,” he said.

Sofield tasked Det. Lieutenant James Canner, commanding officer of the LBPD’s Detective Division, to more effectively deal with domestic violence, with the stated goal to “restore calm to the family environment.”

Canner found that most of the offenders were recidivists and their victims were typically women and children. “The big question that obviously came to mind was, what can the department do to break the cycle,” he said.

Canner saw Azueta, Menendez and Garcia as the perfect fit for the Domestic Violence Task Force. They investigated incidents and provided assistance to the victims, including sometimes transporting victims to Family Court; personally served Order of Protections to offenders who otherwise eluded being served; and made arrests when necessary.

The arrest rate this year has nearly doubled, Canner said, and reports of incidents are on the rise and recidivism has declined, which he attributed to the unit’s work. According to Lt. Jack Radin, as of Nov. 8 there have been 848 reports of domestic violence in Long Beach since Jan. 1.  

“The department could not be more pleased with their enthusiasm and dedication as it is reflected in the positive results from their interactions with victims and their families,” Canner said about the officers. “ … Because they are specializing in domestic violence, they are working more efficiently.”

The unit also provides assistance and referrals for family and individual counseling, anger management, and alcohol and drug addiction counseling.

The department applied for a government grant to assist the unit, particularly in order to partner with agencies that provide services for victims. But the application was denied.

Radin believes that decision was probably based on demographics. “They’re putting their money into areas that are a little more depressed economically,” Radin speculated.  

He said the domestic violence unit will still partner with agencies that were included in the grant application, and he anticipates expanding work with one agency that does a lot of alcohol- and drug-related counseling.

“Alcohol and narcotics are a big part of domestic violence,” Radin said.