Yonkers Police Domestic Violence Unit

Commanding Officer Captain Johnston

Captain Robert Johnston

Domestic Violence Information

   Domestic Violence is a serious crime, which often results in serious injury and even death. Domestic Violence happens regardless of socio-economic status, race, ethnicity, age education, employment status, physical ableness, marital status or childhood history. Batterers use emotional, psychological, economic and physical abuse as a way of controlling their intimate partners.

   In order to address this problem, the Yonkers Police Department has established a Domestic Violence Unit (DMU). This unit coordinates the department's response to domestic violence.

   The DVU was first established in February 2001. From then until December 2001, the Yonkers Police Department responded to over two thousand domestic incidents. These included 647 disputes, 522 violations, 689 misdemeanor complaints and 186 felony complaints.

   The DVU maintains all statistical information regarding calls for service involving domestic violence and arrests. The officers receive reports of domestic incidents from patrol. They conduct a follow-up on the case. Depending on the nature of the incident, the officers make calls, send contact letters or make home visits to the victims. The officers may make a referral to the D.A. or family court. Orders of protection are served and recorded. Victims are apprised of the services the community offers, such as shelters/safe homes, advocacy groups, supportive counseling and support groups and available services for their children.

   The DVU regularly works with the warrant squad to execute open domestic violence arrest warrants. Our goal is to proactively seek to hold the offender accountable for incidents of domestic violence and to make the victim safer.

   The DVU also acts as a liaison for the department with community service organizations such as shelters, victim witness counseling groups, the court, prosecutors and schools. We assist in the education of members of the community to he issues surrounding domestic violence. If we are to be effective, domestic violence must involve the community as a whole.

Domestic Violence Unit Statistics-2001
There were 2,044 domestic violence incidents in 2001
647 disputes (non- criminal incidents)
522 violations
689 misdemeanors
186 felonies

The Domestic Violence Unit actively investigated 831 domestic violence incidents. Unit members mailed 1,119 contact letters to victims. The Unit conducted 380 home visits and made more than 3,500 phone calls to victims.