THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, July 3, 1994 TAG: 9407020393
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 06 EDITION: FINAL
LENGTH: Short : 38 lines
Suffolk Police Chief Gilbert F. Jackson issued a directive Thursday to ``all sworn personnel.''
The following was taken from it:
It has been and always will be the obligation and duty of sworn members of the Suffolk Police Department to comply and enforce all state and local laws concerning criminal misconduct. Assault and battery against family or household members is a violation of state law, and the department shall continue its policy of strict enforcement.
The department is guided by state laws in the enforcement of criminal violations and not by departmental policy. It is, however, the goals and objectives of the department to prevent domestic violence whenever possible, provide immediate protection to those being abused, arrest those responsible for the act and work with other state and local agencies to insure that short- and long-term care and protection are provided.
The unfortunate articles appearing and being perpetuated by The Virginian-Pilot give an erroneous picture of how the department reacts to domestic violence and has created concern on the part of some that the department doesn't care.
This is far from the truth, and this office appreciates the efforts you have always taken to protect and aid those involved in such situations. We must continue to do our very best to insure our citizens that their safety and protection is our paramount concern and that we will do everything within our power to serve and protect them from all forms of violence.
G.F. Jackson
Chief of Police by CNB