By Eric Stock

BLOOMINGTON – As the community gathers later this week for a vigil to honor a victim of domestic violence, Bloomington Police Chief Brendan Heffner said he worries for every case reported, many are not.

PODCAST: Listen to Susan’s interview with Heffner on WJBC.

“Just like part years when information comes out, some people feel more comfortable reporting things,” Heffner said. “It’s still very underreported and some have reported things from the past. We would like people to report it when it occurs, but unfortunately some people live with it daily.”

Heffner told WJBC’s Susan Saunders it’s department policy to send two officers to domestic violence calls and – when possible – a female cop who might be able to better relate to a potential victim who is female.

Heffner added his department will request help from Normal Police or the McLean County Sheriff’s Office when possible.

“I would say most of the time, obviously, a female can identify with a female, but that is definitely a plus for many reasons, even reasons like sometimes when you have to search a female,” Heffner said. “We will always try to find a female (officer).”

He explained a female officer might better identify with another woman, but he said in some cases the woman prefers talking to a father figure.

The family of Nicole Elbert will lead a vigil at Bloomington’s Franklin Park Thursday night at 7. She was stabbed to death last week, allegedly by her husband who now faces murder charges.

Heffner said his department sends two officers to each domestic violence call for safety – and that includes officers who he said have been increasingly ambushed.

Eric Stock can be reached at [email protected].