Law Enforcement's Role in Victim Compensation

• NCJ Number: 252192
• Date Published: September 2018
• Length: 5 pages
• Grant Number(s): 2015-VF-GX-K006
• Agencies: OVC-Sponsored
• Publication Type: Report (Technical Assistance); Report (Grant Sponsored); Issue Overview; Instructional Material

Annotation

This web page provides online access to information, training videos, and resources for training police officers to be important sources of information to crime victims regarding government-mandated compensation for crime victims.

Abstract

Each U.S. state and territory has enacted legislation that provides compensation for unreimbursed costs incurred by victims of violent crime and, in some cases, property crimes. Violent crimes for which victims are eligible for compensation include, but are not limited to, assault, domestic violence, rape, child abuse, and alcohol-impaired driving. Indirect victims, such as family members of homicide victims and crime witnesses, are also eligible to apply under some programs. Eligibility, reimbursable benefits, maximum claim amounts, and application procedures vary by state or county. Law enforcement officers are often the first, and possibly only, professionals to speak to crime victims. This makes them critical personnel in linking crime victims to the justice system and victim support services. To assist police officers in this responsibility, the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) has developed resources that include training videos for first responders, investigators, and executive leadership; companion guides that accompany each video; and other resources that prepare them to be effective resources of information on available victim services. These resources are accessible through this web page. Information on related projects is also provided.