NCJ Number
59744
Date Published
Unknown
Length
37 pages
Annotation
FROM THE SERIES ON VICTIM ADVOCACY, THIS ISSUE PRESENTS INFORMATION FOR COMMUNITY LEADERS CONCERNING SPECIAL SERVICES TO CRIME VICTIMS AND THE IMPROVEMENT OF SERVICES TO WITNESSES.
Abstract
THE COMMISSION ON VICTIM-WITNESS ASSISTANCE OF THE NATIONAL DISTRICT ATTORNEYS ASSOCIATION HAS DEVELOPED AND TESTED VICTIM-WITNESS ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS SINCE ITS INCEPTION IN 1974; IT PRESENTS SALIENT CHARACTERISTICS OF SOME OF THE PROGRAMS IN THIS ISSUE. AMONG THE SERVICES TO VICTIMS ARE RETURN OF STOLEN PROPERTY, THE PAYMENT OF RESTITUTION, AND SOCIAL SERVICE REFERRAL. AN ADEQUATE PROPERTY RETURN SYSTEM REQUIRES THE RECORDING OF A PROPERTY DESCRIPTION BY THE POLICE, THE ENGRAVING OF AN IDENTIFICATION MARK ON THE PROPERTY IF STATE LAW SO PERMITS, AND THE PHOTOGRAPHING OF THE PROPERTY. THE PHOTOGRAPH SHOULD INCLUDE ANY DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS OF THE ITEM AND MAY INCLUDE THE VICTIM HOLDING THE PROPERTY. SOME EFFORT SHOULD BE MADE BY POLICE TO ENSURE THE RETURN OF PROPERTY ONCE A CASE IS CLOSED. DISTRICT ATTORNEYS OUGHT TO SEEK VICTIM RESTITUTION FOR MEDICAL EXPENSES AND EASILY ESTIMATED PROPERTY LOSSES. GENERAL DAMAGES SHOULD BE LEFT TO CIVIL ACTIONS INITIATED BY THE VICTIM. REPRESENTATION OF VICTIMS BEFORE SOCIAL SERVICE AGENCIES REQUIRES THE PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE TO MAKE PERSONAL CONTACT WITH AGENCIES TO EXPLAIN THE VICTIM-WITNESS PROGRAM AND ARRANGE PROPER ASSISTANCE. SERVICES FOR WITNESSES INCLUDE KEEPING THEM WELL-INFORMED OF THEIR ROLE IN EACH STAGE OF THE PROSECUTION; WITNESS BROCHURES SHOULD BE AVAILABLE TO EXPLAIN THE FUNCTION OF THE GRAND JURY, HEARINGS, AND TRIAL. ADDITIONAL PROGRAMS INCLUDE ESCORT SERVICES AND SECURITY FOR INTIMIDATED WITNESSES. RELEASE FORMS ARE APPENDED. (TWK)