Callaway County's domestic violence investigation project has secured funding for another two years thanks to a sizable federal grant.
The Callaway County Domestic Violence Investigation Project, a collaboration between local law enforcement and community partners across the county, allows two full-time investigators to work out of the Callaway County Sheriff's Office, focusing on domestic violence-related offenses.
When the program began in 2012, only one full-time investigator was a part of the project. In 2018, a second investigator was added to help handle caseload increases.
"Since taking the office of sheriff in January 2017, I have received many positive remarks about the program," Sheriff Clay Chism said in a written statement. "It's been very rewarding to hear domestic violence victims themselves speak about how beneficial the program has been to them. That speaks volumes, as the ultimate goal of our program is to better serve our county's domestic violence victims."
The grant award of $174,128.58 covers 75 percent of the salaries and benefits related to the two investigators for two years. The sheriff's office contributes the remaining 25 percent, just more than $58,000.
"Without the federal grant funding, my agency budget would not be able to support the program," Chism said.
So long as federal funding from the U.S. Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women's STOP Violence Against Women Formula Grant Program remains available, Chism said his office will continue the program.
The investigators have the same training as any other law enforcement officer, as well as specialized training specific to helping them handle domestic violence cases with offenses including physical assault, sexual assault and stalking.
"It's crucial the assigned domestic violence investigators understand the dynamics of domestic violence," Chism said.
In addition to sheriff's office cases, the investigators also assist the Fulton and Holts Summit police departments. Chism said reviewers from the Missouri Department of Public Safety have noted the project as a role model for other programs in Missouri.
"The collaborative part of this program is seemingly a huge part of the success," Chism said.
Every month, the local law enforcement agencies meet with the Callaway County Coalition Against Rape and Domestic Violence, the Callaway County Prosecuting Attorney's Office, the Callaway County Circuit Clerk's Office and other community partners to review the program and discuss challenges and goals.
"Leading up to 2012, retired sheriff Dennis Crane and other community leaders recognized the need for enhanced criminal investigations of domestic violence throughout the County," Chism wrote. "These investigations are many times complex and law enforcement officers working patrol were not able to devote the needed amount of time to adequately conduct follow-up investigations."
Since the program began, reports of domestic violence offenses in Callaway County have increased - the numbers from the sheriff's department, Fulton and Holts Summit rose from 371 in 2012 to 643 in 2019.
Chism said this increase is a sign the program is working - victims feel more comfortable contacting law enforcement if they know the investigation will be professionally handled.
"When community members, including victims, realize the great efforts the sheriff's office is making, it's more likely they'll call us," Chism said.
In a Facebook post announcing the grant award, the sheriff's office acknowledged domestic violence often goes unreported. Locally, confidential victim resources are available through the Callaway County Coalition Against Rape and Domestic Violence, which can be reached at any time at 573-642-4422.