Making a domestic abuse arrest should only occur after.....

• A. Obtaining both sides of the story
• B. Interviewing only the suspect
• C. Immediately arresting without investigation
• D. Reviewing unrelated records

Answer: (A)

In domestic abuse investigations the safety of the victim and the accuracy of the facts come first, which means gathering information from both sides and checking the evidence before deciding on an arrest. When you obtain statements from both the respondent and the complainant, you’re more likely to see the full picture—what happened, why it happened, and who was injured or threatened. People can have different recollections or be under stress, fear, or pressure, so hearing from both parties, plus any witnesses and physical evidence from the scene, helps establish credibility and context. This approach also supports proper probable cause and helps ensure the arrest is warranted, rather than based on a single perspective.

Choosing to interview only the suspect or to arrest immediately without investigation can lead to biased assessments or wrongful actions, and reviewing unrelated records doesn’t address the specifics of the incident. The best practice is to obtain both sides of the story along with corroborating evidence to guide a fair, safety-focused decision.