NCJ Number
179794
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 47 Issue: 9 Dated: September 1999 Pages: 83-88
Date Published
September 1999
Length
6 pages
Annotation
Police officers throughout the United States are realizing the benefits of victim advocacy work, many States have victim rights laws, and the National Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies has added a special chapter on victim witness assistance in its Standards for Law Enforcement.
Abstract
A total of 32 States have victim rights amendments in their constitutions, and of electoral support for these constitutional protections has averaged 80 percent. While victim advocacy is relatively new to many law enforcement agencies, some police departments are already familiar with the work. Victim rights advocates point out that Federal funding is available for police departments to use for victim advocacy. In addition, the Office for Victims of Crime publishes a wealth of information of use to law enforcement. Various non-profit groups at local, State, and national levels also offer resources and other assistance to police departments. In South Carolina, the Law Enforcement Victim Advocates Association (LEVA) conducts training sessions and provides networking opportunities and advice to law enforcement personnel. LEVA believes that police officers can offer considerable victim support, including emotional support, assistance with crime-related problems, court advocacy, crisis intervention, and referrals to agencies for counseling and other services. South Carolina's Victim Rights Law gives victims the right to ask to be notified of any legal proceedings involving their case. The benefits of victim advocacy work to police departments are discussed. 1 photograph