Law

Savannah Business Journal Staff Report

February 21, 2019 - This week the Savannah Police Department announced the formation of a new Family Violence Unit.

The formation of the new unit, which consists of one supervisor and five detectives, will provide a more centralized approach that the department feels will be more effective at investigating and reducing family violence-related crimes. Approximately 45 percent of aggravated assaults occurring in the Savannah Police jurisdiction are family-violence related.

“Family violence calls are some of the most dangerous calls our officers respond to and some of the most stressful and traumatic situations for families also,” Chief Roy Minter said during a press conference today at police headquarters. “Over the past several years, the Savannah Police Department has had a decentralized approach to investigating these types of incidents. While this approach has been very effective, we believe a more centralized investigative process is a better way to investigate these types of incidents.”

Detectives assigned to the unit will be working closely with Safe Shelter and the District Attorney’s Office, both of which had representation at the press conference, to better identify resources for victims and develop the best investigative techniques.

“This is a partnership,” Capt. David Gay said. “Each of us brings a unique perspective and a different skill set to this problem of family violence. As we move forward, we are all going to be working together.”

Over the next several months, detectives will also be visiting agencies in the state that have similar units.