NCJ Number
182045
Date Published
1998
Length
60 pages
Annotation
A telephone survey of a stratified sample of 629 chief law enforcement officers, police officers, city and county attorneys, court administrators, and probation officers in Minnesota gathered information to evaluate compliance with the State legislature requirement that they provide certain information, notification, and participation to victims.
Abstract
The survey took place during August-October 1998. The questions focused on the kinds of training the professionals receive with regard to State-mandated victims’ rights, how professionals rate their current knowledge of victims’ rights, the kinds of crimes for which they inform victims of their rights, the support systems available to inform victims with communication barriers, and other issues. These professionals generally believed that they make the effort to inform victims of their rights when it is relevant to their case, although opportunities for improvement exist in a few areas. Participants were not particularly confident about their knowledge of victims’ rights; findings indicated some confusion about the laws, particularly regarding reparations. Many participants also mentioned that lack of information about the victim was another barrier to compliance. Findings indicated the need for additional training focusing on each professional’s role and responsibilities and for improved methods of locating victims and extending opportunities for involvement in the system. Large caseloads and minimal time also hinder compliance for some professionals. Findings indicated that time, patience, and training are necessary to elevate knowledge and practice to ensure that victims receive all the support they need. Figures, tables, footnotes, and appended tables