NCJ Number
158970
Date Published
Unknown
Length
0 pages
Annotation
Directed to police officers, this five-part videotape depicts interactions between police officers and victims of several types of crime and emphasizes the psychological impacts of crime on victims and how the police officer's response affects victim attitudes.
Abstract
The first vignette, presented from the perspective of a patrol officer, presents police interactions with robbery and burglary victims and notes the importance of giving the victim support and understanding, as well as educating victims about prevention and sources of victim services. The second segment focuses on female victims of spouse abuse. It emphasizes their feelings of terror and powerlessness, the importance of the police officer's role and support for arrest policies, and notes that repeated interactions with police officers must often occur before a victim will leave the abuser or press charges. The third segment focuses on victims of sexual assault and emphasize the importance of showing concern, giving the victim time to answer questions, asking questions carefully, and recognizing victims' fears that they will not be believed. The fourth segment focuses on elder abuse. Noting that 1 of every 20 elderly persons is a victim of abuse, it emphasizes the need to have the victim in a safe place when conducting an interview, taking time to ask questions and receive responses, and recognize that hearing and responding may be difficult for many elderly persons. The final segment presents comments from police officers and their family members who were burglary victims and emphasizes that crime can happen to anyone and that police officers must be compassionate toward victims.