NCJ Number
44636
Date Published
Unknown
Length
30 pages
Annotation
BACKGROUND INFORMATION FOR VOLUNTEERS AND GUIDELINES FOR OPERATING NOTIFICATION SYSTEMS ARE PRESENTED IN A PUBLICATION DIRECTED TO PROSECUTORS AND OTHERS CONCERNED WITH VICTIM/WITNESS ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS.
Abstract
VOLUNTEERS WORKING IN VICTIM/WITNESS ASSISTANCE UNITS SPEND MUCH OF THEIR TIME ANSWERING QUESTIONS ABOUT THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM. TO HELP VOLUNTEERS UNDERSTAND THE WORKING OF THE SYSTEM, AN OVERVIEW OF THE PEOPLE, PROCEDURAL STEPS, AND PHYSICAL LOCATIONS INVOLVED IN THE PROCESSING OF A CRIMINAL CASE IS PRESENTED. MODELED ON A VOLUNTEER MANUAL PREPARED FOR THE SEATTLE, WASH., PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE, THE OVERVIEW TOUCHES ON POLICE AGENCIES, CRIME REPORTS, CASE REVIEW BY DISTRICT ATTORNEY, DEFENDANTS, ARREST WARRANTS, PRETRIAL ACTIONS, TRIALS, OPENING STATEMENTS, THE STATE'S CASE-IN-CHIEF, DEFENSE CASES, REBUTTAL, FINAL ARGUMENTS, JURY INSTRUCTIONS, AND FELONIES AND MISDEMEANORS. THE IDEAL NOTIFICATION SYSTEM HAS TWO COMPONENTS: A SERIES OF LETTERS WHICH KEEPS VICTIMS AND WITNESSES ADVISED OF IMPORTANT CASE DEVELOPMENTS; AND A TELEPHONE ALERT, OR ON-CALL PROGRAM DESIGNED TO ELIMINATE UNNECESSARY TRIPS TO COURT AND UNNECESSARY DELAYS IN COURT. THE SYSTEM CAN EMPLOY EITHER MANUAL OR ELECTRONIC DATA-PROCESSING PROCEDURES. DETAILS OF THE MAIL NOTIFICATION COMPONENT OF THE SYSTEM, INCLUDING THE EIGHT LETTERS THAT COMPRISE THE CORE OF THE SYSTEM, ARE PROVIDED, AS ARE SAMPLE COPIES OF THE LETTERS.