This bill mandates that law enforcement officers conduct a danger assessment for individuals suspected to be victims of domestic violence. The assessment aims to determine if the victim is in immediate need of services from a domestic crisis team or other available resources. The assessment must be performed with the consent of the alleged victim using a standardized, evidence-based instrument approved by the Attorney General, which will generate a score indicating the risk of serious bodily injury or death from future domestic violence. If the assessment indicates an elevated risk, the officer is required to inform the victim and, with their consent, facilitate immediate assistance.

Additionally, the bill amends existing law to require the Division of Criminal Justice to develop a training course that includes instruction on conducting danger assessments and providing necessary support to high-risk victims. This training will be mandatory for all law enforcement officers and will be reviewed every two years to ensure its relevance and effectiveness. The Attorney General is tasked with overseeing the implementation of these training requirements, ensuring that law enforcement is adequately prepared to handle domestic violence cases and support victims effectively.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 2C:25-20