NCJ Number
64708
Date Published
1978
Length
112 pages
Annotation
GOALS AND ACTIVITIES OF THE COMMISSION ON VICTIM WITNESS ASSISTANCE, APPOINTED BY THE NATIONAL DISTRICT ATTORNEYS ASSOCIATION (NDAA), ARE REVIEWED IN THIS OVERVIEW.
Abstract
THE GENERAL OBJECTIVES OF THE NDAA COMMISSION ARE TO: (1) DEFINE THE NATURE AND EXTENT OF PROBLEMS FACED BY PROSECUTORS, VICTIMS, AND WITNESSES; (2) DEVELOP PROGRAMS IN PROSECUTORS' OFFICES THAT MEET THE NEEDS OF VICTIMS AND WITNESSES; AND (3) ENHANCE THE FAIR, EXPEDITIOUS, AND EFFICIENT ADMINISTRATION OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE BY ELICITING GREATER VICTIM-WITNESS CONFIDENCE IN AND COOPERATION WITH PROSECUTION. IN CARRYING OUT COMMISSION ACTIVITIES, FIELD UNITS FUNCTION IN THE AREAS OF DIRECT SERVICE, PUBLIC EDUCATION, LEGISLATION, AND TRAINING. THE FOLLOWING SPECIFIC SERVICES ARE PROVIDED: NOTIFYING WITNESSES OF PENDING APPEARANCES; ESTABLISHING TELEPHONE ALERT SYSTEMS FOR POLICE, FOR SELECTED CIVILIAN WITNESSES, OR FOR BOTH; STREAMLINING THE SUBPOENA PROCESS; PROVIDING TRANSPORTATION TO COURT; ESTABLISHING RECEPTION CENTERS AND LOUNGES FOR WITNESSES; PROVIDING INFORMATION ON THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM AND HOW TO TESTIFY; ESCORTING WITNESSES TO THE COURTROOM; AND EXPEDITING THE PAYMENT OF WITNESS FEES AND THE RETURN OF PROPERTY. SERVICES DESIGNED TO MEET VICTIM NEEDS INVOLVE NOTIFICATION OF CASE OUTCOME, SOCIAL SERVICE REFERRALS, EMPLOYER INTERVENTION, AND VICTIM COMPENSATION ASSISTANCE. INTERACTION BETWEEN VICTIM-WITNESS UNITS AND OTHER CRIMINAL ADJUDICATION SYSTEM AGENCIES IS ENCOURAGED. PARTICULAR ATTENTION MUST BE PAID TO THE UNMET NEEDS OF VICTIMS AND WITNESSES AND THEIR AWARENESS OF AVAILABLE COMMUNITY RESOURCES. OVERALL, THESE VICTIM-WITNESS SERVICES HAVE BEEN WELL RECEIVED IN ALL CENTERS. FURTHER RESEARCH IS RECOMMENDED TO EXPLORE THE ACTUAL EFFECT OF OFFERING VICTIM-WITNESS SERVICES AND TO EXPAND AND SYSTEMATIZE TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER ACTIVITIES. DATA FROM A MEMPHIS, TENN., SURVEY ON UNIT OPERATIONS ARE REPORTED IN TABULAR FORM, AND THE COST EFFECTIVENESS OF UNIT PROGRAMS TO LOCAL GOVERNMENTS IS ANALYZED. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON THE NDAA COMMISSION'S EFFORTS IS APPENDED, INCLUDING A QUARTERLY REPORT, AND TABULAR DATA; ILLUSTRATE THE SERVICES PROVIDED BY EIGHT LEAA VICTIM-WITNESS UNITS. (DEP)