Two of four Frederick County Sheriff's deputies who responded to a domestic call stand near a man seated on his front porch in the Waterside subdivision on Saturday, May 10.

Recruits in the academy at the Frederick Police Department are taught throughout their 30 weeks of training about how to handle domestic violence calls, Lt. Richard Hetherington said. One week is devoted solely to those situations.

Trainees hear lectures from experts, including speakers from Heartly House and the state's attorney's office. They take classes in problem solving, interviewing and verbal judo -- a program used by officers to enhance communication by getting people to comply with their requests.

The training division also asks officers and uniformed auxiliary members to role-play scenarios so recruits get a feel for actual calls and how they will react, Hetherington said.

It's hard to teach young officers to walk into a stranger's house, especially if the people are older, and tell them how to live their lives, he said.

Officers, who usually go to domestic violence calls in pairs, are taught to separate the alleged abuser and victim so both sides may be heard.

"It's safer," he said. "(The officer) does not have to divide their attention."

While it is frustrating going back to the same homes again and again, officers are limited in what they can do for victims.

"You can't drag them out of the house," he said.

Victims are advised of their rights, including filing a protective order and seeking shelter at the Heartly House.

Domestic calls are always difficult for officers because when they first arrive, there are two sides, Hetherington said. However, victims may turn on officers when they realize their attacker could get into trouble.

"Our primary function is to keep the peace," he said.