NCJ Number
167041
Date Published
1997
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This presentation describes the role of the Victim-Witness Coordinator within a Federal law enforcement agency; discusses the advantages of a Victim-Witness Program within a Federal law enforcement agency; proposes strategies for implementing a Victim-Witness Program within a Federal law enforcement agency; and identifies sources of information and referral.
Abstract
The Victim-Witness Coordinator establishes victim assistance procedures for the office, serves as the point person for all victim assistance questions within the office, maintains the momentum of the program, trains staff on victim-witness issues, serves as liaison to community victim assistance agencies, and provides special attention to certain individual crime victims. The advantages of a Victim-Witness Program are that it helps restore the emotional equilibrium of the victim or witness, builds rapport with victims/witnesses so as to improve case information, increases job satisfaction, and enhances positive recognition in the community. This paper outlines eight components of a strategy for implementing a Victim-Witness Program. One component is to know the laws and policies as well as the agency's responsibilities under law pertinent to victims/witnesses. Other components are to assess the characteristics of the jurisdiction, assess strengths and weaknesses of an individual office, and establish a Victim Assistance Advisory Committee. Remaining components of the strategy are to identify barriers to the program, establish a standardized victim notification system, establish departmental training at all levels on matters pertinent to victim/witness needs and services, and develop a way to disseminate victim services information. 6 sources of information and referral