NCJ Number
169519
Journal
Corrections Today Volume: 59 Issue: 7 Dated: (December 1997) Pages: 90-93
Date Published
1997
Length
4 pages
Annotation
Correctional personnel who are victimized while performing their duties should receive the same responses and services as other crime victims.
Abstract
Correctional personnel victimized by offenders should be treated with dignity and respect by the department of corrections and its employees. This should involve direct assistance and support from the department's Office of Victim Services for both the victim and the victim's family. Further, the victim should be informed of his/her rights by a supervisor within 48 hours following the incident. Also, the victim should receive timely information about the status of the administrative or criminal proceedings related to the incident, as well as timely disposition of the case. The victim should be present, upon request, at any administrative proceedings related to the incident or have a representative present; the same applies to any criminal proceeding. A victim should have the opportunity to submit a victim impact statement, be notified about the final disposition of the case in a timely manner, and be allowed to enroll in the department's Victim Notification Program. In addition, the victim should receive reasonable protection from the accused, receive restitution from the offender, receive workers' compensation or victims' compensation, be offered mental health counseling, and receive information about and a referral to supportive victim services in the community. 1 reference