NCJ Number
95588
Date Published
Unknown
Length
56 pages
Annotation
The Victim-Witness Program in Virginia Beach, Va., is described, and the text of Virginia's 1980 Victims of Crime Act is provided.
Abstract
The staff of the Victim-Witness Program, which includes two paid employees and three volunteers, is discussed, and the duties of the Victim-Witness Office are enumerated. Duties include mailing, receiving, and distributing victim impact statements; making witness travel arrangements; recruiting and training volunteers; and filing police reports. A sample subpoena for witnesses is provided, as are sample case summaries, sample witness lists, and a sample rolodex card. A sample letter sent to a witness is included, along with a map of the municipal complex at Virginia Beach. Suggestions for witnesses are offered, including (1) speak clearly, (2) do not volunteer information, (3) dress neatly and act courteously, and (4) look at the questioner when answering. Virginia's Victim-Witness Handbook, including a victim impact statement form and related correspondence, is supplied. Also provided is an article from the March 13-14, 1980, issue of 'The Beacon' on hotlines to keep victims and witnesses posted on trial dates. Additional correspondence and newspaper articles related to the Victim-Witness Program are included. A Crime Victim's preliminary crime form is attached, as is the job description for a victim-witness office aide.