In the continuing media flurry over domestic violence, prompted by Maria Navarro's grim and tragic murder, attention has focused on police protocol, training, sensitivity and action. The public cannot understand why a police car was not dispatched the moment that Navarro relayed her fears to the 911 operator. Police are paid to protect and serve. Why didn't the Sheriff's deputies respond immediately to the reported threat by her estranged husband? Why don't police take domestic violence seriously?

Maria Navarro told police that her husband had threatened to kill her, and tried to convince them that he would carry out that threat. She knew that she was right. She \o7 was \f7 right. And the police refused to respond to her call.

The fact of the matter is that most of the threats arising from domestic disputes are just that: threats. Intended to frighten and intimidate, but seldom carried out.

If police were to sit outside the homes of people who have been threatened, there would be no one to respond when you hear a prowler in your home. There would be no one to respond when you see a robbery in progress and no one to respond when your life is visibly in immediate danger.

It is not a matter of police apathy. It is not a matter of police insensitivity toward domestic violence. It is not a matter of sexist police policy. It's a matter of too much crime and too few police. It's a matter of practicality.

Domestic violence has always existed. This decade can take credit for recognizing, defining, naming and publicizing it. State and national governments have given effort and money to research; statistics have been compiled. We now are aware that every six hours somewhere in this country, a woman is killed by her husband or boyfriend .

As a police officer, I can testify that police training in domestic violence is complete. It has to be; answering calls to scenes of domestic violence involves great risk to our own lives. The Los Angeles Police Department's program is comprehensive and well-taught. We learn how to recognize cycles of domestic violence and how to counsel women who are victims of it. We are required to provide women with information on how to obtain restraining orders and with referral phone numbers for help ranging from psychological counseling to temporary shelter.