NCJ Number
90214
Date Published
1982
Length
7 pages
Annotation
Information provided by the police to potential and actual crime victims should include information on how to avoid victimization, expressions of sympathy at the crime scene, procedures for processing the case, feedback on case processing, reassurance about protection from offender reprisals, and information about the court process.
Abstract
Police should inform citizens about how, when, and where crimes are being committed. This information, coupled with police information on what measures to take to avoid victimization, permits citizens to take rational preventive action. Communication by the police to the victim at the crime scene should indicate regret for the victim's troubles, satisfaction if the victim is not harmed, reassurance that the victim did the right thing, the police do not view the victim as foolish or responsible for being victimized, and the police are available to help. After providing empathy at the crime scene, the police should give the victim practical information about the process which is to follow and the victim's obligations and rights under the law. The victim should also be informed about various appropriate victim services that are available. Victims should be regularly informed about what is happening in their case, whether in the stages of investigation or the processing of an accused. The police must also make every effort to determine if there is danger of the accused intimidating or seeking reprisal against the victim, and where such danger does exist, the victim should be informed of steps being taken to protect him/her. Further, it is important that victims be advised and reassured about procedures in court appearances, and where the victim's property is used as evidence, information on its use and prompt return should be provided. Two references are listed.