NCJ Number
77303
Date Published
1976
Length
73 pages
Annotation
Implementation of the five objectives of the Fremont Police Department's Victim Services Project in California is described. The project serves victims and witnesses of burglary and traffic accidents.
Abstract
The five objectives of the project were to (1) convey important information to victims, force standardization of police practices, and test the utility of novel means of securing feedback from victims regarding police services; (2) focus and reinforce officer concern for victims; (3) minimize inconvenience to victims and reduce the amount of time property is held as evidence; (4) evaluate and maximize the role of the police dispatcher as a critical information link between police and victims; and (5) facilitate the effective implementation of new victim-related procedures and policies and foster consistency in interactions between officers and victims. Implementation activities include followup letters to burglary victims informing them of the current status of their case, information booklets for victims of burglary and traffic accidents, and a subpoena-by-mail procedure along with booklets explaining basic facts about the subpoena and court process. Also, a Citizen Services Representative position was established to receive and handle all requests for information calls, provide information and referral to public and private community resources when necessary, research case records in response to inquiries from victims, and coordinate the return of property to victims under new photograph and release of property procedures. Moreover, a victim services training module was developed and presented to all department personnel whose role involves regular contact with victim/witnesses. Preliminary recommendations for future action include reducing the size of the burglary booklet; maintaining a built-in receptacle for the booklets in squad cars; and making the Citizen Services Representative position a permanent, classified position. Twelve attachments include forms and sample worksheets in use in the project. Tabular data are provided.