This document aims to address victims’ needs by establishing a continuum of support and resources as victims progress through the various phases of the criminal justice process; it includes essential background material and supporting documentation on the developmental philosophy and implementation requirements of the model policy as well as a list of additional International Association of Chiefs of Police resources.
This document is a compendium of three separate documents: a Model Policy, which provides police agencies with concrete guidance and directives by describing in sequential format the manner in which actions, tasks, and operations are to be performed; Concepts and Issues Paper, which is designed to provide context and background information to support a Model Policy or Considerations Document for deeper understanding of the topic; and Need to Know, which synthesizes key points of the topic into a brief, one-page overview, and is developed by Policy Center staff following the final approval of the policy and paper. The document also provides a list of additional International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) resources. The purpose of the Model Policy is to recognize and address the needs and rights of crime victims during each contact with law enforcement; provide support, access to resources, and assist victims as they continue to interact with the criminal justice system; and to act as a liaison to appropriate victim assistance and service agencies. The purpose of the Concepts and Issues Paper is to accompany the Model Policy, established by the IACP Law Enforcement Policy Center, and provide essential background material and supporting documentation on the developmental philosophy and implementations of the model policy. It aims to be of value to law enforcement executives in their efforts to tailor the model to the requirements and circumstances of their communities and law enforcement agencies.