NCJ Number
223776
Journal
Law and Order: The Magazine for Police Management Volume: 56 Issue: 7 Dated: July 2008 Pages: 80-85
Date Published
July 2008
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This article examines the development and implementation of victims’ advocacy programs to aid law enforcement agencies, incorporating the role of social justice along with the role of criminal justice.
Abstract
Many Federal mandates require agencies to establish victims’ rights policies. Agencies can comply with mandates by establishing a victims’ advocacy program or partnering with a nonprofit agency. Victims’ advocacy programs are proving to be an asset to many communities and their police departments. Community policing philosophy encourages the use of resources to address underlying social issues, not only law enforcement issues. Police departments want to address this new philosophy but find they are overwhelmed by the criminal justice needs of policing. Victims’ advocates can assist and provide an additional asset and tool to communities and law enforcement across the country. This article examines the benefits, roles, and management of victims’ advocacy programs.