Home violence disputes harmful for officers in central Georgia

An FBI report showed that 48 police officers across the country died in workplace shootings last year, and 7 of them responded to domestic violence calls

WARNER ROBINS, Georgia – Jackson County Officer Lena Marshall responded to a scene on Highway 1245 in Hoschton Friday when a suspect shot her dead. The day before, Paramhans Desai, Deputy Henry County, was present at a house in McDonough when he was shot to death shortly after his arrival. Officials often say that some of the most unpredictable calls they take involve domestic violence.

“Sometimes they have experienced violence and want the person to leave the house. They want the person to be gone so that the situation can de-escalate ”, Janie Bormann, deputy director of the Crisis Line and the Safe House of Central Georgia, a contact point for people with domestic violence.

Bormann says they serve thousands a year

“There are a variety of reasons why someone can turn to law enforcement if they experience domestic violence or stalking,” Bormann said.

Police officers are called out to do all sorts of things – robberies, traffic stops, anything you can think of – but law enforcement studies show domestic violence calls are vital.

Warner Robins’ police chief John Wagner, who has worked in the city for decades, says domestic violence calls are his least favorite.

“What makes it so dangerous? They are highly volatile. You have two people who are very passionate about each other and who disagree. When the policeman gets there, it’s usually a highly explosive event. “

Law enforcement agencies can be heroes and victims in these calls. An FBI report showed that 48 law enforcement officers across the country died in workplace shootings last year, and 7 of them responded to domestic violence calls.

“In the town of Warner Robins, we answered 4,500 domestic violence calls last year. This year we’re around 4,000 – we’re exactly in line with what we were last year, ”said Wagner.

Although situations can be unpredictable. Officials are trained.

“The governor’s initiative is driving de-escalation. In these courses we learn how to deal with domestic situations. They have very specific courses on domestic violence that you can attend,” he said.

If you or someone you know is exposed to domestic violence, the Crisis Line and Safe House of Central Georgia has a 24-hour help line at 478-745-9292.