Suitable Responses to Victimization: How Police Should Treat Victims (From Policing and Victims, P 17-33, 2002, Laura J. Moriarty, ed., -- See NCJ-192835)

• NCJ Number: 192837
• Author(s): Amie R. Scheidegger
• Date Published: 2002
• Length: 17 pages
• Sale Source: Prentice Hall Publishing
• Publication Format: Book (Softbound)
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This chapter examines the dynamics of police-victim interactions, how officers assess the needs of victims, and the importance of training police officers on how to assist crime victims.

Abstract

Being the victim of a crime is difficult enough without experiencing a “second victimization”--insensitive treatment at the hands of the criminal justice system. Being aware of the needs of the victim, the consequences of crime for the victim, the common responses to victimization, and the additional needs of distinct victim populations can greatly diminish or eliminate the officer’s part in the second victimization process. The needs of crime victims are as diverse as the individuals who are victimized. Victims generally want information, recognition, advice, support, protection, and reassurance. They are thrust into a system that is unfamiliar and often are forced to interact with police personnel whom they may distrust. They also want their injuries to be recognized and to be taken seriously. In addition, they need reassurance and protection. The seriousness of a crime and presence of injuries appear to be two of the most important factors police utilize when deciding how to respond to a crime. The immediate medical needs of the victim, tangible and intangible costs to the victim, and type of offense all impact the victim’s response to crime. The three-stage process of crisis reaction includes the impact stage (shock, disbelief, helplessness), the recoil stage (guilt, anger, denial), and the reorganization stage (able to put experience into perspective) where normal daily activities resume. Post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms include difficulty sleeping, irritability, difficulty concentrating, and exaggerated startle response. The elderly victim may require additional medical needs and will be more affected financially and emotionally than younger victims. Officers responding to physically disabled victims must be accommodating to the special needs of the victim, such as using sign language for the hearing-impaired. Police officers must be educated about issues of diversity, such as communication styles and the impact on the victim. 4 tables, 28 references