Utah Code § 78B-7-120

Current with legislation effective through 5/2/2024

Section 78B-7-120 - Law enforcement - Training - Domestic violence - Lethality assessments

(1) In accordance with Section 77-36-2.1, the Department of Public Safety shall:

(a) develop training in domestic violence responses and lethality assessment protocols that includes information on:

(i) recognizing the symptoms of domestic violence and trauma;

(ii) an evidence-based assessment to identify victims of domestic violence who may be at a high risk of being killed by a perpetrator;

(iii) lethality assessment protocols and interviewing techniques, including indicators of strangulation;

(iv) responding to the needs and concerns of a victim of domestic violence;

(v) delivering services to victims of domestic violence in a compassionate, sensitive, and professional manner; and

(vi) understanding cultural perceptions and common myths of domestic violence;

(b) develop and offer an online training course in domestic violence issues to all certified law enforcement officers in the state; and

(c) develop specific training curriculums for the trainings described in Subsections (1)(a) and (b) that include:

(i) information on responding to domestic violence incidents, including trauma-informed and victim-centered interview techniques;

(ii) lethality assessment protocols which have been demonstrated to minimize retraumatizing victims; and

(iii) standards for report writing.

(2) The Peace Officer Standards and Training Division shall incorporate training in domestic violence issues into training offered to all individuals seeking certification as a peace officer.

(3) The Department of Public Safety and the Administrative Office of the Courts shall coordinate to provide information and training on the lethality assessment protocols described in Section 77-36-2.1 to all judges, commissioners, and court staff who may encounter lethality assessment data in the courses of their duties.

Utah Code § 78B-7-120

Amended by Chapter 447, 2023 General Session ,§ 6, eff. 5/3/2023.

Amended by Chapter 109, 2023 General Session ,§ 5, eff. 5/3/2023.

Added by Chapter 180, 2021 General Session ,§ 1, eff. 5/5/2021.