NCJ Number
196958
Date Published
August 1999
Length
0 pages
Annotation
This videotape describes the Crime Victims Compensation program in the State of Texas.
Abstract
In Texas, the law requires law enforcement officers to inform victims about crime victims’ compensation. Compensation may be provided for medical bills, counseling, special care, and crime scene cleanup. Applicants are screened for compensation. Compensation is available to victims that are not involved in the crime, that cooperate with investigators, and report the crime in a reasonable amount of time. Those people eligible to receive compensation include victims, spouses, parents, adult children, and legal guardians. The compensation is reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses. The money comes from the criminal in the form of court costs. The Crime Victims Compensation program pays out up to $50,000 per person and up to $100,000 if prosthetics and rehabilitation are involved. Approximately $30 million is paid out a year. Since 1979, over $200 million has been paid out to victims. If the officer deems a situation “inappropriate” to inform of this program, he or she may need to contact the victim later. In addition to informing of the program, the officer should give the victim an application and a special card made up to inform of the specifics of the program. Applications for the Crime Victims Compensation program are also available in prosecutors’ offices.