Domestic violence calls pose unique threat to law enforcement, community
This story describes a domestic violence situation. If you or a loved one is experiencing domestic violence, visit LSS Choices or call 614-224-4663 (HOME), or the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233, text BEGIN to 88788, or click here.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — As condolences for the loss of Morrow County Sheriff’s Deputy Daniel Sherrer come in from around the state, the community is also being reminded of the dangers that can come with domestic violence calls.
“It’s tough any time a law enforcement officer is killed,” Brian Steel, president of Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Capital City Lodge 9, said. “Morrow County did not just lose an officer, America lost an officer. No matter if it's California, New Jersey, when one officer or deputy dies, we all feel it.”
Sherrer was shot and killed responding to a domestic violence call. Steel said those are often dangerous because of the unknowns and perpetrators feeling like they are losing control.
“They’re volatile, they’re hostile, you have a lot of emotions, you have people that have been together, sometimes the abuser has been abusing his spouse or her spouse for years, and now enters the officer coming in,” Steel said. “It's a very hostile, very tumultuous situation.”
Turning Point is also heartbroken by what happened. It supports domestic violence survivors in several counties, including Morrow. One of its partners is the sheriff's office.
“It’s something we see all too often in the line of work in the service that we provide,” Turning Point President and CEO Amber Scott said. “I think it is disheartening always to see, for us to see an advocate of ours, which is our local law enforcement, be involved in such a volatile situation.”
Scott wants people to know help is available. The Ohio Domestic Violence Network can be reached here. Scott said that the time when a victim tries to leave can be most dangerous for them, others involved, and first responders.
“So our heartfelt condolences go out to the family, community members, and all of the police force in Morrow County at this point because it's devastating," Scott said.