In Mecklenburg County, law enforcement agencies receive more than 25,000 domestic violence-related calls each year. Abusive behaviors affect victims from every walk of life, and can include physical violence, sexual violence, psychological violence and emotional abuse.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s Domestic Violence Unit is one of more than 30 specialized units across the agency. Its team comprises one sergeant, six detectives and four victim advocates. Detectives and victim advocates work together to use available community resources to assist victims of domestic violence in breaking the cycle of abuse.
In recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we recently sat down with Domestic Violence Unit Detective Matthew Tucker to learn more about what makes a good domestic violence detective, common misconceptions about what they do, and the peaks and pitfalls of the job.
Tell us about a typical day or week in the Domestic Violence Unit.
A typical day for me starts at 5:30 a.m. I wake up, complete a workout, eat a protein-filled breakfast and arrive at the Law Enforcement Center around 7:30 a.m.
My unit typically has a caseload of three to five cases per week. In the office, I start by looking at all of my emails and completing all tasks for my cases requested by the District Attorney’s Office or command staff.
After that, I work on a list that I complete at the end of every day to be done the next day for cases, organization or statements. Then, I look to see if I have any meetings or follow-ups in the city to complete. If not, I start working on new cases I have been assigned.
I try to work diligently and don’t rush. In this profession, there will always be more work to do. It’s a 24/7 job. Some things can be completed the next day. Some simply cannot.
Why did you choose to join the Domestic Violence Unit?
I chose this unit because my mother was a victim of domestic violence from my brother’s father. I grew up helping my mom at domestic violence events and learning about domestic violence through her advocacy roles.
What do you enjoy most about your work as part of this team?
I enjoy completing the best possible investigation so our victims get a fair chance to be heard in trial and have an opportunity to get justice for being assaulted, strangled, shot or stabbed.
What strengths or skills make someone a good candidate for the Domestic Violence Unit?
Empathy and compassion are two key traits for anyone in law enforcement in general and in my unit in particular. It’s also important to not take anything personally and to always do what you believe is right.
What additional training, education or certifications are required to join your team?
Candidates are required to complete all investigative courses (101-105). These include search warrant preparation, online crimes, crime scene, interview and court testimony. These classes are required for the position. In addition, it is advised to complete additional preparations for the training phase.
Which law enforcement roles did you hold previously?
I started in the Independence Division on the third shift. I transitioned to the second shift after a few years. I became the division’s fraud liaison. In that role, I completed investigations that did not go to the fraud unit. I assisted on many in-division callouts, completing search warrants and interviews to prepare for my role.
What drew you to work for CMPD?
I am originally from Connecticut and had family in Tega Cay, S.C. I came to Charlotte and grew to love the city and the feel of the areas surrounding it. I thought it would be good to move away from home and see what the world has to offer. The job accepted me as family and helped me grow into the man I am today.
What’s the most common misconception people have about what you do?
Many believe our unit does not have a large callback load. Unfortunately, domestic violence incidents happen at all hours. If an initial call happens when someone in our unit isn’t typically available – for example, overnight or on a weekend – that means the responding officers will request a callback for the subject matter expert team to investigate the case. We average three of these types of calls per week. That’s more than homicide.
What do you wish more people knew about your expertise?
I wish more people knew that what’s required to get a conviction involves a lot of work with our victims and physical evidence for the district attorneys to want to proceed with the case.
What is the most rewarding part of working in your specialized unit?
The most rewarding part of my job is seeing a victim leave an abuser and use the resources Mecklenburg County has to offer for their and/or their family’s benefit.
What advice would you give to someone interested in pursuing a role with the Domestic Violence Unit?
This job has a funny way of making you believe you’re the best officer one minute. In the next, you might second-guess decisions you’ve made in the field. Understand you’re not perfect. You might not be the hero on any given day. But you can leave a lasting impression that can mean all the difference to someone.
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