This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Crime & Safety

Program Seeks to Prevent Domestic Violence

Domestic Violence Detective brought nationally recognized program to Pasco

I wanted to know more about recent steps the has taken to stop domestic violence before it turns deadly. Kevin Doll, spokesman for the Pasco Sheriff's Office, directed me to detective Jennie Jones for in-depth information.

Jones is one of two domestic violence detectives at the Pasco County Sheriff's Office. She was instrumental in bringing to our area a nationally recognized program for preventing domestic violence.  Jones, a career law enforcement professional who responds to domestic abuse calls and conducts long-term investigations, has expertise in responding to lethal situations and homicides.

In 2010, Jones approached Sheriff Bob White about bringing to Pasco a prevention program that proved effective in Maryland.  Called the Lethality Assessment Program (LAP), it helps police identify victims who are likely to be seriously injured or killed by an abuser.

Find out what's happening in New Port Richeywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

When an alleged abuser comes to court for a first hearing, the copy of the lethality assessment is brought before the judge. That way, he or she can see the big picture of the dynamics of the abuse incidents and the level of threat to the victim.

The LAP has a tremendous enough success rate that it is the leading national model on screening and safety planning for lethality, especially in highly lethal situations

Find out what's happening in New Port Richeywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Jones brought the idea of using the program in Pasco to White after conducting research on various other prevention models around the nation. 

White approved, and since January 2011, the office has taught it to ALL deputies.  Since the inception of this program, the office has trained 201 deputies. 

And it's only one step the office has taken to stop domestic violence before it starts, Jones says.

In November of 2010, the Pasco Sheriff's Office instituted a new policy to stop inmates at the Land O' Lakes Jail from making phone calls to victims of domestic abuse.  Jones says the new policy helps prevent re-victimization.

Dynamic, innovative law enforcement tools and techniques that help stop abuse are valuable commodities. Going the extra mile to save lives helps all of us in the long run.  Consider it a compassionate focus on solutions to domestic abuse and just remember for yourself:  "there but for the grace of God go I."

 Thank you to Jennie Jones, Bob White and the Pasco Sheriff's Office for your cutting-edge leadership.

 For more information on the LAP, also known as tthe Maryland Model, download this brochure from the Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence  http://www.mnadv.org/MNADV%20LAP%20Brochure.pdf

The following resources for abuse victims can be contated locally.

  • is committed to protecting you, because no one, not even someone you love, has the right to hit you, threaten you or put you through emotional abuse.  To learn more about your rights, Pasco Sheriff Bob White encourages you to call their office toll free at 1-800-854-2862.  For emergency dial 911. Learn more about domestic violence, sexual and emotional abuse and safety planning.  You can visit the office's website at http://www.pascosheriff.com/websmart/Pasco/static/Domestic%20violence.htm There is also a domestic violence advocate with the Pasco County Sheriff.
We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com.