Local law enforcement get domestic violence training

By Staff
Slade Gilmer
Law enforcement officers across Franklin County took part in a domestic violence seminar at Calvary Baptist Church in Russellville provided by the Alabama Coalition Against Domestic Violence (ACADV).
David Hester, co-chairman of the Franklin County Coalition against Domestic Violence, said that the state sent Connie Rowe, an assistant to the District Attorney in Walker County, to teach the seminar.
"Connie's like one of the guys," Hester said. "We enjoy having her teaching the class."
Rowe, who has trained law enforcement officers for ACADV since 1999, explained that her training is specific for the area.
"What I like to be able to do is go into an area and find out what training the officers need," Rowe said.
Rowe also explained that Safeplace of Franklin County called to Montgomery to ask for help in getting the training to come to Franklin County.
The seminar Tuesday focused determining the primary aggressor in a domestic dispute, as well as enforcing Protection From Abuse (PFA) orders.
Suzanne Swaim, the Victim Services Coordinator for Safeplace in Franklin County, says that her office is hoping to help those who have suffered from domestic violence.
"We want to bridge the gap between shelter services and law enforcement," Swaim said.
Hester, a 28-year law enforcement veteran who now works in the Domestic Violence department of the District Attorney's office, says that he wants the public to become more involved and informed on domestic violence issues.
The Franklin County Coalition Against Domestic Violence meets the third Thursday of every month to discuss new developments in domestic violence cases.
The next meeting is scheduled for July 16 at noon at Rancho Viejo Restaurant in Russellville. The meeting is open to the public.