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Domestic Violence Liaison

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The DC Metropolitan Police Department is proud to announce the successful re-launch of our Domestic Violence Liaison (DVL) Volunteer Program. The program pairs MPD Volunteer Corps DVLs with patrol officers to respond to domestic violence calls for service, providing victims with the necessary resources and support they may need. Our DVLs have undergone specialized training from DC Survivors and Advocates for Empowerment (DC SAFE) and MPD, making them equipped to provide victims and survivors of violence with valuable resources and support.

Prior to starting, volunteers will receive 20+ hours of specialized training provided by DC SAFE and MPD. Once you have successfully undergone training, volunteers will then begin to sign up for shifts to ride along with patrol officers. It is important to note that when responding to 911 calls for service, including domestic violence calls, volunteers do not act as law enforcement personnel, but rather as liaisons between DC SAFE, MPD and domestic violence victims in need of services.

As liaisons between MPD, DC SAFE, and victims, the success of the program depends on collaboration between all parties. DVLs' main role is to provide victims with information and resources from across the District, make required notifications and referrals to DC SAFE when appropriate, and communicate with DC SAFE as needed to ensure victims are connected as quickly as possible to resources. This collaboration ensures that victims are supported and connected with the appropriate resources. 

For more information, please complete an online interest card or contact us at:

Strategic Engagement Office
Email: [email protected]
 
  • Qualifications

    • To qualify for the Domestic Violence Liaison Program, applicants must meet the following minimum standards: 

    • Be at least 18 years old.
    • Be a US citizen, by birth or naturalization, OR a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) at the time of application.
    • Possess a high school diploma or its equivalent, or be currently enrolled in a high school or university.
    • Reside within the DC Metropolitan Area.
    • Be able to pass a comprehensive background investigation, which includes fingerprinting.
    • Successfully complete 20+ hours of specialized training held on evenings and weekends.
    • Serve as a volunteer (unpaid) member of the Department for at least 10 hours per month.
    • Agree to work conditions that include maintaining confidentiality, avoiding conflicts of interest, and maintaining security appropriate to the assigned duties.
    • Adhere to the rules and regulations that apply to all MPD employees.

    If you meet these qualifications and are interested in joining the program, please submit an interest card. Please note that we are currently processing the Summer 2023 Cohort and are not accepting applications at this time. However, we will reach out to you once we are ready to onboard a new cohort. Thank you for your interest in the program! 

  • Application Process

    • The Domestic Violence Liaison Program on-boarding process consists of the following steps:

    1. Complete an interest card on the MPD website. 
    2. Attend an informational session to learn more about the program, requirements, and expectations.
    3. Successfully complete an interview with a program coordinator to assess qualifications, experience, and suitability for the program.
    4. Qualified candidates will be prompted to schedule a preliminary ride-along. 
    5. Undergo and successfully pass a comprehensive background investigation, including fingerprinting and reference checks that could take anywhere between 2-4 months.
    6. Complete 20+ hours of specialized training with DC SAFE and MPD held in the evenings and on weekends, covering topics such as domestic violence dynamics, safety planning, crisis intervention, legal advocacy, and community resources.
  • Timeline

    • If you are interested in applying for the DV Liaison volunteer position, please submit an interest card and we will reach back out as soon as possible. We thank you for your interest and look forward to potentially working with you in the future.

    Please keep in mind that we receive a large number of applications for the DV Liaison volunteer position.  Due to the large applicant pool, extensive background investigations, and training period, it can take several months to move through the process. We appreciate your patience and understanding, as it is of the utmost importance that our DVL’s are carefully selected, vetted and trained so that they are able to provide the highest quality of service to victims of domestic violence.