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MCSXJTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMNIISSION WORK SESSION <br />ON DOMESTIC ABUSE SHELTERS HELD ON JANUARY 6, 1995 <br />a result of their abuser violating Protection Orders. It was also noted that while living wi* <br />fatnUy is often an option, the abuser typically knows all of the vtcttm s f^.ly and has l.tUe <br />problem finding the victim, hence staying with family is not always a good solution. <br />Lt. Gary Cheswick of the Orono Police Department arrived and introduced himself. <br />Lt. Cheswick indicated that the State Stamtes require that cetlain procedures and policies be <br />adopted and followed, and that the Orono Police Department does follow the policies which they <br />have adopted. Those policies include the ability of each officer to assess the specific situation, <br />and viettas are alwavs provided with an information card as a resource for phone num^rs who <br />to contact for specific assistance, etc. Lt. Cheswick had provided a copy of the Pohee <br />Department s adopted poliev to Mabusth and she read excerpts from it. The policy requues that <br />officers advise victims of dieir legal rights, available shelters, and commumty services, and <br />provide victims with copies of "Rights and Services for All Crime f <br />appropriate course of action in domestic abuse cases, the primary concern of the officer <br />protection of all from further acts of violence. <br />U. Cheswick noted that each victim typically has some idea of how they want to handle the <br />situation, and that each case is different. <br />Peterson questioned whether the Police Department had transponed any <br />within the last year. Lt. Cheswick indicated that in the past he personally had on occ^ on <br />transponed victims to Pioneer House but would have to check the computer listmg to dctermin <br />where other victims may have been taken. <br />Rowlette questioned whether Orono Police are directed to involve m advocate from Westonka <br />Intervention immediately for each domestic abuse situation. He indicated that the <br />the discretion to assess each situation individually and bring in a third party as <br />there is no specific policy directive mandating the use of Westonka Intervention or any thu^d <br />^any He TndicateS he would provide Mabusth with a copy of the informauon matenal <br />provided to victims by the police. He further indicated that quite often m domestic abuse cas« <br />where the police are called, the abuser is taken to jaU which allows some time for the victim <br />to consider options for action. Our police normally wUl discuss with the victim their option <br />and assist victims in the options they choose. He noted that quite often m <br />their own avenues and resources for dealing with the situation and consequently do not request <br />shelter. <br />Lindquist asked whether the Orono Police had had difficulty in locating shelter *{»« ™ <br />who need it. Lt. Cheswick replied that the Police Department fcis the fvailabUity of <br />motels in the area and the cost for short-term stays m them by victims is <br />Hennepin Human Services if necessary. He also indicated that Sojourner and the Mission Home <br />we 2 additional options that could be used.