NCJ Number
195398
Journal
Police Chief Volume: 69 Issue: 5 Dated: May 2002 Pages: 34-37
Date Published
May 2002
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article describes ways in which law enforcement personnel's first responders can assist victims at the scene of a crime or disaster, so as to help them recover more quickly and increase the likelihood that they will participate in the investigation and prosecution of the crime.
Abstract
Although police officers responding to a crime scene cannot be expected to provide crime victims the entire range of emotional support they may need, they can refer victims to service providers who can assess and address those needs. Receiving early intervention is critical in helping victims process and cope with the traumatic experience of crime. Victims need to regain a feeling of safety and control. First responders can address these needs by interviewing victims in a private and safe location; speaking to victims in a calm, reassuring tone; reassuring victims of their safety; and avoiding judgmental remarks. Victims also need to talk about their experiences or "vent" about what has happened. Police can facilitate this by allowing time for victims to describe, at their own pace, what happened during the crime; holding questions or comments until victims have finished their account of the crime, so they do not lose their train of thought; and validating the victims' experience by reassuring them that their reactions are common. Victims also need to know that they can access additional support after the initial shock of the crime passes. Police can assist in this by describing the next steps in the criminal investigation; explaining that the victim's reactions may change over time and that forgotten details of the crime may surface in their memories; encouraging future contact if victims need additional assistance; and referring victims to victim service providers and advocates in the community. The National Center for Victims of Crime has launched a new initiative to encourage law enforcement professionals to put victims immediately in touch with the support and services they may need. The Last Step in First Response campaign is designed to support law enforcement by making the National Center's specialized resources more readily available to crime victims.