The Police Response Subcommittee Meeting held on February 25, 2025, focused on the enforcement of protective orders and the associated penalties for violations involving threats or violence. A key discussion point was the need for better awareness and application of enhanced penalties for violations of protective orders, particularly when they involve assaultive behavior.

One member highlighted that since a legislative change in February 2014, violations of protective orders that include threats or violence should be classified as a Class C felony. However, it was noted that this enhanced penalty is not consistently recognized by prosecutors, judges, or law enforcement. The speaker expressed concern that many cases are not being prosecuted correctly, leading to missed opportunities for applying the appropriate penalties.

The discussion emphasized the importance of updating the model policy to clearly state when the enhanced penalty should be applied. It was suggested that a reminder be sent to all departments to ensure that law enforcement officers are aware of the enhanced penalties available for such violations.

Additionally, there was a proposal to modify existing documentation to better reflect the legal framework surrounding protective orders and their violations. The need for clarity in the language used in policy documents was underscored, particularly in sections that outline the types of orders and the corresponding penalties.

The meeting concluded with a call for collaboration among law enforcement, judicial officials, and prosecutors to improve the handling of protective order violations, ensuring that the legal system effectively addresses these serious offenses.