NCJ Number
131974
Journal
FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin Volume: 60 Issue: 3 Dated: (March 1991) Pages: 1-5
Date Published
1991
Length
5 pages
Annotation
The United States Capitol Police (USCP) in the District of Columbia responded to the mandate of the Victim and Witness Protection Act of 1982 by developing a system to serve victims and witnesses of armed robberies, aggravated assaults, other attempted or actual personal violence, and significant property crime.
Abstract
The program includes a manual defining the agency's policy and procedures, an information brochure for victims, a hotline, and 18 specially trained police officers and detectives who serve as needed as Victim-Witness Assistance Coordinators. USCP also works cooperatively with the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia, conducts a 40-hour course for USCP coordinators and representatives of other agencies, and operates a recordkeeping and case management system. In addition, 90 days after the initial contact, each victim receives a mailed survey that gathers information on the program's effectiveness. State and local agencies could create effective victim-witness programs by using this program's components as well. Photographs