Grant to fund police unit focusing on domestic abuse

The Howard County Police Department has won a $400,000 federal grant to start a three-person domestic violence unit.

The unit's goal is to increase the number of domestic violence arrests in the county and to create a tracking system to quickly identify repeat offenders. The team also will ensure victims have access to social services and help them obtain protective orders.

The unit will include a supervisor, officer and administrative assistant. If the unit is found to be effective, the county has pledged to continue funding it after the two-year grant expires.