NCJ Number
94627
Date Published
1984
Length
72 pages
Annotation
The effectiveness of the Victim/Witness Assistance Program in Winnipeg, Canada, was evaluated.
Abstract
Questionnaires were administered to 300 crime (mostly burglary or robbery) victims who had mail, personal, or no contact with the Victim Services Unit and 201 witnesses who had a court appearance and had been paid a witness fee. Interviews also were conducted with police, Crown attorneys, and staff of the witness and victim programs. The Victim Assistance Program received strong support from the uniformed constables, the police administration, program staff, and victims receiving services. Identified strengths of the program include assistance to victims when the investigating officers are unable to meet their needs, services for previously unmet victim needs, immediate assistance to victims made possible by the program's position in the police department, an expanding role as a liaison between victims and helping agencies, and contribution to a more positive police image. The Witness Assistance Program was rated positively by all surveyed. The program benefits witnesses by making information readily accessible, and provides a liaison between Crown attorneys and witnesses. The fee payment system is working well, and the Witness Alert System has the potential to substantially decrease unnecessary court appearances by doctors serving as witnesses. Program weaknesses identified in the evaluation are enumerated, and recommendations for change are made.