LEXINGTON, Miss. – Proper documentation of domestic violence and abuse (DVA) incidents and cases are extremely important when it comes to prosecuting cases, legal experts say.
That is why recently, the Community Students Learning Center ARISE (Assistance for Rural, Intervention, Strategies and Empowerment) Program, along with the Office of the District Attorney – Twenty-First Circuit Court District — held an in-depth workshop on documentation needed for successful prosecution of domestic violence and abuse, and all other cases.
Representatives from The 21st Circuit Court District office headed by District Attorney James Powell conducted the work session. They were Assistant District Attorneys Steven Waldrup and Wilton A. McNair.
Waldrup told the law enforcement officers they must always take a statement in all cases from the witness whether they saw what happened or did not see anything. “Also your offense report [of the incident] should be like a book; it shouldn’t be finalized until its ready to be turned into the District Attorney’s Office,” he said.
The workshop was well attended by officers from across Holmes County. “In attendance, we had 18 people and of that, eight were law enforcement officials [including the presenters],” remarked ARISE Prevention Educator Chasity Wright, one of the workshop organizers.
During his presentation, Waldrup also stated, “I wish more people would come to me and ask for my help. I love to speak with students, police officials, and community organizations. I also am willing to hold classes and I will come to you.”
The representatives from throughout the county included the following departments and officers:
• Holmes County Sheriff Department
Kimberly C. Landfair, Deputy Secretary; Sam Chambers, Captain;
Juanita Mitchell, Investigator; Kenneth Wilson, Corporal
• Lexington Police Department (LPD)
Mitchell Bethany, Deputy Chief
• Pickens Police Department
Officer Stephen Teague
• Holmes County
Barry Rule, Assistant Warden for Holmes County Correction
• Durant Police Department
Sidney Randle, Assistant Chief
• District Attorney’s Office
Steven Waldrup, Assistant District Attorney
Wilton A. McNair, Assistant District Attorney
“Being knowledgeable of everything relating to domestic violence is so important; it is a topic that everyone needs to know about. If you are in an abusive relationship, there is a way out and there is help for you. At the Community Student’s Learning Center, we are here for all your resource needs and will not turn anyone away that needs the help or training,” said Wright.
A program of the Community Students Learning Center (CSLC), a 501 (c) 3 organization, ARISE implements middle school and high school violence prevention programs that – explore relationships, gender roles, coercion and control – help young men and women to have more responsible, healthy relationships in middle school, high school, college and into adulthood.
This project is supported under 42 U.S.C. 13971 (OVW- Rural) Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women.
For more information about ARISE, the CSLC and their activities in the fight against domestic violence and abuse, call (662) 834-0905.
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CSLC-ARISE personnel also contributed to this report.
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