VICTIMOLOGY AND CRISIS INTERVENTION TRAINING WITH POLICE

• NCJ Number: 64200
• Journal: Crisis Intervention Volume: 10 Issue: 1 Dated: (1979) Pages: 2-17
• Author(s): J ZLOTNICK
• Date Published: 1979
• Length: 16 pages
• Corporate Author: Crisis Intervention Institute
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: ONE OF A SERIES OF PAPERS PUBLISHED BY CRISIS INTERVENTION INSTITUTE TO ADVANCE TRAINING FOR POLICE AND LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICIALS

Annotation

THIS PAPER EXAMINES THE IMPACT OF CRIME IN TERMS OF HUMAN COSTS, REVIEWS THE LITERATURE ON VICTIMOLOGY, AND PRESENTS A CURRENT ANALYSIS OF CRISIS INTERVENTION TRAINING METHODS FOR POLICE.

Abstract

ONE OF THE FIRST AGENTS OF THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM WITH AN OPPORTUNITY TO ASSESS THE HUMAN COSTS OF CRIME TO THE VICTIM AND ATTEND TO THE VICTIMS IS THE POLICE OFFICER. BY HAVING THE TRAINING AND SKILLS TO APPROPRIATELY CONVEY AND DEMONSTRATE UNDERSTANDING, EMPATHY, AND CONCERN FOR THE INDIVIDUAL VICTIM DURING THE CRISIS, THE POLICE OFFICER CAN CONFIRM THE VICTIM'S BELIEF IN HIS VALUE TO SOCIETY AND ENHANCE HIS FAITH IN THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM. REVIEWING THE LITERATURE ON VICTIMOLOGY, THE PAPER STATES THAT INAPPROPRIATE AND INADEQUATE POLICE INTERVENTION CAN MAGNIFY THE EXPERIENCE OF VICTIMIZATION AND THUS THE TIME, ENERGY, AND EXPENSE INVOLVED IN THE VICTIM'S RECUPERATION. AN ASSESSMENT OF CRISIS INTERVENTION PROGRAMS TO DATE CONCLUDES THAT METHODS AND APPROACHES WHICH HAVE PROVEN USEFUL FOR TRAINING POLICE WITH VICTIMS OF RAPE AND FAMILIES IN CRISIS CAN, WITH MODIFICATIONS, BE ADOPTED FOR IMMEDIATE USE FOR VICTIMS OF SUCH CRIMES AS BURGLARY AND ROBBERY AS WELL AS WITH THE FAMILIES OF HOMICIDE VICTIMS WHOSE SPECIAL NEEDS ARE STILL UNMET. REFERENCES ARE GIVEN. (AUTHOR ABSTRACT MODIFIED - MJW).