What is a primary responsibility of a peace officer during a family violence investigation?

A primary responsibility of a peace officer during a family violence investigation is to protect the victim, enforce state law, and make necessary lawful arrests. In situations involving family violence, the officer's foremost obligation is to ensure the safety of the victim and any other individuals present. This includes assessing the situation, providing immediate assistance to the victim, and taking appropriate actions in accordance with state laws.

Enforcing state law means that the officer must be knowledgeable about the specific statutes related to family violence and ensure that these are upheld. This can involve arresting an offender when there is sufficient evidence or probable cause to do so, particularly if the suspect poses an ongoing threat to the victim.

While documenting the scene for future reference is important, and separating the involved parties may be part of ensuring safety, these actions are secondary to the direct responsibility of protecting the victim. Negotiating a resolution between parties is not typically a priority in these situations, as the focus is primarily on safety and law enforcement rather than mediating disputes.