NCJ Number
94628
Date Published
1984
Length
463 pages
Annotation
This report presents the findings of a study of the experiences, concerns, problems, and needs of 402 crime victims and witnesses in Red Deer, Alberta as well as the responses of the criminal justice and community social service systems.
Abstract
Samples were drawn from Royal Canadian Mounted Police records of personal and property crimes for the first half of 1982. Interviews were conducted between October 1982 and January 1983 with 354 crime victims, 85 witnesses, 41 key representatives of community social services, and 14 agents of the local criminal justice system. The report discusses victims' social and demographic characteristics, offense characteristics, reporting the incident to the police, police response, victims' initial feelings, and protective measures taken. Police response time generally was short, and four out of five victims felt the investigating officer was understanding and sympathetic. Predominant feelings among victims were anger and outrage followed by surprise and confusion. Assistance in meeting crisis needs typically was provided by family and friends. About 7 out of 10 victims wanted more information on the progress of the investigation, but fewer than half said they got such information. Victims' approval of the efforts of local police for handling their incident and dealing with crime in general were very high. A discussion of the criminal justice system and community response covers the police role, crisis services, followup services, and restitution and compensation. It concludes that the criminal justice and social agencies were not responding adequately to victims, particularly those who were younger, female, and low income, and that significantly enhanced victims' services were needed. The analysis of witnesses' concerns and problems emphasizes that the criminal justice system treated them rather casually, with little regard for their needs. The report provides corrective recommendations, an executive summary, tables, the interview questionnaries, a list of agencies interviewed, and the Law Reform Commission of Canada's recommendations regarding restitution and compensation.