A new Pentagon inspector general’s report has found that DOD is inconsistent in its adherence to policies involving domestic violence investigations, Government Executive reported.
The IG’s office reviewed 219 domestic violence investigations by the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Naval Investigative Service, detailing that in 62 cases investigations were harmed due to improperly handled crime scenes, according to the April 19 report.
Other mistakes included missed interview opportunities, failure to notify the appropriate service’s Family Advocacy Program, and failure to submit criminal history documentation to nationwide investigative databases.
“As a result, decision-makers (commanders and prosecutors) may not be able to make informed disciplinary and prosecutorial decisions due to inadequate investigating and documentation of domestic violence incidents by military service law enforcement personnel,” the report said.
The report detailed the domestic violence cases often involved lapses in collecting sufficient evidence or taking photos of victims at crime scenes. The report also included explanations for some lapses.
Army Reserve photo by Sgt. Audrey Hayes
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