PASCO, Wash. – The Pasco City Council is considering a new initiative to bolster public safety with a specialized risk assessment model for handling domestic violence cases.
During the council’s March 14 meeting, council members are expected to vote on a letter of agreement with the Geiger Institute to bring the Danger Assessment for Law Enforcement (DA-LE) model to the city’s police department.
The Geiger Institute, part of the Jeanne Geiger Crisis Center, is known for its expertise in assisting law enforcement agencies across the country. The DA-LE model is a validated tool that helps officers identify high-risk domestic violence cases, enhancing safety for victims and holding offenders accountable. The tool aims to promote early intervention, improve victim safety, and assist in making more informed pretrial decisions.
The agreement between the city and the institute would outline the roles and responsibilities needed for the technical assistance and training required to implement this model effectively.
If approved, the partnership with the Geiger Institute will provide Pasco Police with expert-led training and technical assistance at no cost to the city, according to the city’s agenda report. Training will include developing written policies for DA-LE administration and a Train-the-Trainer model for officers. Additionally, advocates, prosecutors, and judges will receive training to ensure a unified understanding and implementation of the tool.
For more information on the Geiger Institute and the DA-LE model, visit their official website.
