PROTECTIVE ORDERS TASK FORCE

Unfortunately, very little statistical evidence exists to evaluate the effectiveness of methods currently employed by the justice system to keep victims of domestic violence safe. However, studies have shown that when Protective Orders are issued by courts and enforced by law enforcement, they do deter further abuse by perpetrators against their victims1.

In reviewing the Protective Order system in Arizona, the Avon Program found that its success is often hindered because of the confusing process that victims find difficult to navigate. In addition, because different agencies and jurisdictions have different systems, it is difficult to serve, track, and enforce Protective Orders across jurisdictions or different law enforcement agencies. In order to maximize the positive impact that protective orders can have, we convened a group of stakeholders, including victims, law enforcement, prosecutors, and judges, to work together to make Protective Orders an available and effective tool against domestic violence.

Results:
Due to the efforts of Task Force members, including Larry Farnsworth, Commander of the Civil Division of the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office (MCSO); Paul Chagolla, Deputy Chief of the MCSO Support Services Bureau; and Phil Hazlett of the Arizona Constables Association, the following outcomes can be achieved:

  • Domestic violence victims will be relieved of having to travel long distances to ensure an order of protection is served. As many as 1,765 victims in Maricopa County will be impacted by this change in policy. As of May 1, 2011, The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office will accept faxed orders of protection for the unincorporated areas of Maricopa County and the Contract Cities for which MCSO provides service. The Arizona Constables Association indicates they also will accept orders accompanied by a defendant information sheet by fax.

  • Cross jurisdictional issues related to protective orders will be alleviated. Over 3,000 victims in Maricopa County as well as additional victims statewide may be impacted by this change in policy. The Arizona Constables Association will ensure that the protective order is provided to the Constable in the correct jurisdiction so that the defendant can be served regardless of the jurisdiction where the plaintiff receives the order. They will also ensure the protective order is served even if it is sent to the wrong jurisdiction.

  • Arizona will not burden domestic violence victims with fees for protective orders or jeopardize our state's federal funding from the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office Defendant Information Sheet will be updated so that it is clear that a fee will not be charged to victims of domestic violence.

  • Defendants will be served in Maricopa County jails. The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office will serve all Orders of Protection when the defendant is in custody at one of our Maricopa County Sheriff's Office Detention Facilities.

 

  • Victims will be notified when the defendant is served a protective order. Victims will be provided with server contact information and be notified when protective orders are served. Form revisions will capture more detailed information and enhance communication.             

 

A full report detailing the work of this task force, including additional successes and recommendations has been completed. To read the full report, click here.  Protective_Orders_in_Arizona-reportFINAL9.7.11

For more information, please contact: Louraine Arkfeld, Chair of Protective Orders Task force at louraine@oconnorhouse.org

1 See Kentucky study at: www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/nij/grants/228350.pdf