NCJ Number
34932
Date Published
Unknown
Length
26 pages
Annotation
THIS BOOKLET CONTAINS MODEL DESIGNS AND PLANS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF VICTIM WITNESS RECEPTION CENTERS WHICH WOULD PROVIDE COMFORTABLE, NON-INSTITUTIONAL, SUPPORTIVE SURROUNDINGS FOR PEOPLE BEING INTERVIEWED BY PROSECUTORS.
Abstract
THE VICTIMS AND WITNESSES OF CRIME ARE TYPICALLY INTERVIEWED IN LESS THAN ACCEPTABLE FACILITIES IN MOST CRIMINAL JUSTICE INSTITUTIONS. SINCE OCTOBER 1974 THE NATIONAL DISTRICT ATTORNEYS ASSOCIATION COMMISSION ON VICTIM WITNESS ASSISTANCE HAS BEEN STRIVING TO FIND WAYS FOR IMPROVING THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM'S RESPONSE TO CRIME VICTIMS AND WITNESSES. THIS PUBLICATION SUGGESTS THE CREATION OF COMFORTABLE AND SECURE VICTIM WITNESS RECEPTION CENTERS. THE DESIGNS, FURNISHINGS, AND COLORS SUGGESTED IN THE BOOKLET ARE INTENDED TO SET PERSONS AT EASE. THE PLAN HAS BEEN DESIGNED ON A CLUSTER BASIS: THE SPACE PLANNING DESIGN EMPLOYED IS FLEXIBLE, AND DISTINCT FUNCTIONAL COMPONENTS ARE PROVIDED FOR IN 12 FEET BY 12 FEET 'USE' CLUSTERS. ARCHITECTURAL DESIGNS ARE PROVIDED FOR RECEPTION, WAITING ROOM, INTERVIEW, RECORDS, OFFICE, CONFERENCE, AND BABYSITTING, CLUSTERS. THESE USE CLUSTERS CAN BE ARRANGED IN MANY CONFIGURATIONS, ACCORDING TO AVAILABLE SPACE AND FINANCING. PLANS FOR SMALL, MEDIUM, AND LARGE CENTERS BASED ON THESE CLUSTERS ARE PROVIDED. GUIDELINES ON FURNISHINGS AND COLORS ARE PRESENTED AS WELL. FINALLY, BUDGET AND COST INFORMATION ON THE SMALL, MEDIUM, AND LARGE CENTERS IS LISTED.