This video discusses a strategy developed by the International Association of Chiefs of Police that guides law enforcement's response to meeting the needs and interests of crime victims.
This 15-minute video was developed by the U.S. Department of Justice, Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) and the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) to provide a strategy for use by local, State, and tribal law enforcement agencies in meeting the needs and interests of victims of crime. The changing role of crime victims is discussed, with officers from various police departments recounting how departments are now focusing on the enhanced police/victim relationship that enables victims to become part of the team and find justice for themselves and their families. The IACP identified seven critical needs of crime victims which should be part of law enforcement's response to victims. These needs are: 1) safety; 2) support - offering support and showing respect for the victim; 3) information - keeping victims informed and letting them know that knowledge is power; 4) access - providing victims access to services to make their interactions with law enforcement easier; 5) continuity - ensuring continued provision of support and services from law enforcement; 6) voice - giving victims opportunities to communicate with law enforcement about their case; and 7) justice - doing their job for the sake of justice for the victims. A link for downloading the guide to the IACP strategy, Enhancing Law Enforcement's Response to Victims, is included at the end of the video.