Assessing the Crisis

Tasks in the hybrid model

Example of each step

Predispositioning, engaging, and initiating contact

Cop: Ma’am I need you to step out of the car and walk to the front of my police vehicle.  Are you aware that you are driving a stolen vehicle in the commission of a felony, kidnapping?

Heather: This is my daughter and I did not kidnap her and this car is communal property and have done nothing wrong.

Exploring problems: defining the crisis

Cop: I understand why you think you have done nothing wrong, but unless you tell me a bit more of the story you are going to be under arrest for kidnapping and vehicle theft.

Heather: I finally had the opportunity to run with my daughter and escape the abuse of my common law husband.  I used to put up with the abuse, but since having my daughter the abuse has gotten worse and he has even threatened to kill her because she takes all of my time and attention.

Providing support

Cop: I understand why you felt it were necessary to leave in the manner you did and I would like to help you, but I don’t see any physical marks on you or your daughter and what I do see is you in possession of the child reported kidnapped and the vehicle reported stolen.

Heather: You have to believe me!  Take my daughter and I to the ER to be examined and they will then have evidence that abuse has taken place.  I have fresh burn marks on my genitals and breasts which he did to me before he raped me last night.

Examining alternatives

Cop: I want to believe you so in order to do that I need you need to gather up what items you have and your daughter and her car seat and bring it to the squad car and we can go from there.  When was the last time you both ate? I think we should grab a bite to eat first.

Heather: That will work sir thank you for giving me a chance to prove myself and we ate last night sometime and I know both of us are very hungry.

Planning in order to reestablish control

Cop: OK, I will take you both to the ER and there you can fill out a report that if corroborated by physiscians on duty I will use to get a temporary emergency protective order for you and your daughter tonight, but you will have to follow through with seeing a judge to have this made official.  Then, I will bring you to the women’s shelter so you will have a safe place to sleep and they will help you work this all out.

Heather: Thank you very much for keeping us safe.

Obtaining commitment

Cop: So, you are willing to go through all of these steps in order to cut ties with your husband and follow through with the court procedures on the protective order, correct?

Heather: Yes, what ever I need to do to remain free from everything my daughter and I have endured.  She deserves a good life and her mother be a better role model that doesn’t allow a man to abuse her.

Following up

Cop: Stops by the women’s shelter to check on Heather and her daughter and give her his card in case she needs anything he can help her with.  You look more relaxed since I saw you last. Hope everything works out for you and your daughter.

Heather: If it weren’t for your helping us we would most likely be in a worse position, since I would have been in jail and my daughter taken into child protection services. I think we will be looking at a much better future from here, thank you!