NCJ Number
127220
Date Published
1990
Length
51 pages
Annotation
Based on interviews with victims and police in Great Britain, this study examines existing police informational services for crime victims and how these services may be improved.
Abstract
The study consisted of semi-structured interviews with both police officers and crime victims in two police force areas. The police sample consisted of 25 officers from a station in each area. Officers were asked questions that solicited their views on the police role in providing victim services, the kinds of information police give victims, and the extent to which police have accurate information regarding victim services. The victim sample was drawn from police records in the same two stations and consisted of victims who had reported crimes to the police within the previous year (mid-1986 to mid-1987) and whose cases were now closed. A total of 100 victims were interviewed regarding their information needs and how well the police met such needs. Although most victims reported their initial meetings with police to be satisfactory, the information flow between police and victim tended to diminish substantially after an arrest had been made and as the case passed through various stages. Two-thirds of the victims reported the police should have informed them of case outcomes. There was general agreement from the police officers that it is important to inform victims about case outcome. Study results also suggest that not all victims were provided with reliable information about victim compensation. This report identifies the kinds of information police should supply victims and the most cost-effective procedures for delivering it. 4 tables and 20 references