In domestic violence cases, when an arrest is not made, the deputy must always ______?

• A. Record a DV incident in the log
• B. Initiate a report
• C. Photograph the scene
• D. Dismiss the case

Answer: (B)

When a domestic violence call occurs and no arrest is made, the deputy must initiate a formal domestic violence report. This creates an official, lasting record of the incident, including who was involved, what happened, where and when it occurred, any injuries or evidence observed, and statements from the parties. This documentation supports safety planning for the victim, allows for proper follow‑up and investigations if needed, and ensures compliance with department policy and legal requirements.

Recording the incident only in a generic log doesn’t provide the detailed, retrievable record that a formal report offers, and it may hinder potential future actions or protective measures. Photographing the scene can be part of evidence collection, but it is not a stand-alone duty in every case. Dismissing the case is never appropriate when a DV incident has occurred.