A deep dive into how HPD responds to domestic violence calls

By Lynsey Smith

Public Safety

October 28, 2026

When officers respond to a domestic violence call, safety comes first.

Most calls occur at a residence, where officers identify those involved, check for weapons and secure the scene before investigating what happened.

They separate the parties, assess injuries, identify witnesses and determine whether juveniles or additional people may be involved. Even when a disturbance is only verbal, officers must consider the possibility that the situation could escalate.

For the Huntsville Police Department’s (HPD) Special Victims Unit (SVU), the initial response is only the beginning.

The details that help tell the story

Investigators look beyond individual accounts to gather evidence that helps establish what happened. Depending on the allegations, they may photograph injuries, collect cellphone recordings and seek footage from nearby cameras.

“Text messages, videos, medical records and witness statements – all of those things are extremely important when it comes to establishing what happened,” HPD SVU Sgt. Mark Stowe said.

Without supporting evidence, cases can be difficult to investigate when they come down to one person’s account against another’s.

Photos, messages and videos can help corroborate a victim’s account, while cellphone data may help establish when and where an incident occurred.

Reports don’t always come immediately after an incident.

A victim may first seek medical care or contact a crisis service. In those cases, SVU works to obtain relevant documentation.

A case is built over time

Investigators must speak with victims and witnesses, document their accounts and gather information that may be needed years later.

SVU investigators say written statements and accurate contact information are especially important when a case eventually goes to trial.

“The witness might be needed for the victim obtaining a warrant,” Sgt. Stowe said. “In serious cases, trial could follow years down the road.”

Preserving a witness statement or recording can help retain information gathered during an investigation, even if a witness later becomes unavailable.

When police have the suspect, the interview is recorded and the suspect is advised of their Miranda rights. The suspect has the right not to speak.

A victim can choose not to participate, but it makes moving forward difficult.

“In majority of these cases, it’ll be closed,” Sgt. Stowe said.

More than one agency at work

SVU doesn’t handle these cases alone.

Investigators work with prosecutors and partner agencies that provide investigative expertise, forensic services and support for children and families.

Through the National Children’s Advocacy Center (NCAC), investigators collaborate with a multidisciplinary team that includes:

Each agency contributes based on the case. Law enforcement leads investigations, DHR assists with cases involving juveniles and Homeland Security may help when people involved are outside Alabama.

CSNA provides relevant documentation and forensic support, while the District Attorney’s Office prosecutes cases that go to court.

The North Alabama Multi-Agency Criminal Investigation Center (NAMACC) also provides digital forensic assistance, while the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences (ADFS) supports forensic testing.

Not every case ends in an arrest or trial. The NCAC and other organizations can also connect juveniles and families with therapy, counseling and other support services.

Why patience matters

Domestic violence investigations can take months, and a trial may not begin for years.

Investigators must gather records, conduct interviews and coordinate with partner agencies while managing multiple cases.

“Cases will be triaged and dealt with according to the severity of the crime,” Sgt. Stowe said. “However, the well-being and safety of the child victim always come first.”

That time is part of the work required to document evidence and prepare cases for the next steps in the criminal justice process.

For HPD’s Special Victims Unit, the investigation doesn’t end when officers leave the scene. It continues through the evidence collected, the people interviewed and the agencies working together to determine what happened and what comes next.