Victim services and law enforcement should work in concert to provide aid to victims of crime as they navigate the criminal justice system. But there are many misconceptions about the relationship between these two entities. First, victim services are not just limited to providing emergency help to victims immediately after an incident occurs. On the contrary, many agencies offer counseling and other services that can provide long-term support to individuals affected by crime. Second, victim services should not be seen as a resource solely for those who are directly affected by crime. Their resources can be used by friends and family members of victims, too.
While it would be nice if departments had a predictable victim support offering, not everyone department has the budget. Some victim services programs are paid for through VOCA funds, others may be paid through other sources. A lot depends on state and community funding programs. Departments need to think about how victim services should be part of your strategic plan going forward.
What Do Victims Expect From Police?
Victims said they expected police to be sympathetic, supportive, non-judgmental, knowledgeable about victim services and direct them to helpful resources. Does your department’s training encourage these behaviors? Not only do these expectations exist for individual officers when they respond to calls from crime victims; crime victim advocates who work closely with law enforcement also expect these things from their partners on a daily basis. So how can officers navigate all of these expectations while on duty?
What Can the Police Do for Victims?
Police have many resources for victims of crime. They can assist you with filing a police report, help find a Victim Advocate to provide support. They can even refer you to local organizations that can help you rebuild your life after being victimized. As such, it’s crucial that these groups communicate with one another so they’re all working towards similar goals. This will help create a better experience for victims who encounter both law enforcement officials and those who work in victim services offices while they go through their difficult ordeals.
Mutual Goals for Victim Services
Though they may not always realize it, victims and law enforcement agencies have a lot of shared goals. By working together, these two entities can improve public safety. Crime is a major concern for most citizens. This means all parties involved in victim services can better serve their community if they unite their efforts. Here are some great ways to make sure everyone’s on board with these goals.
Mutual Challenges
Although victim programs and law enforcement may seem like strange bedfellows, they face many of the same challenges. For example, both agencies often experience growing pains when adjusting to new demands placed on them by legislation. Effective communication can go a long way towards easing some of these pressures.
How Can These Partnerships Improve?
Victim services and law enforcement are often very separate entities. Most people think of victim services as there to help victims. And they see law enforcement as responsible for investigating crimes and getting criminals off of our streets. There are times when these two responsibilities overlap. Sometimes it can be difficult for victims to find help from their local police department if they need it most.
Future Trends
Victim services provide a lifeline to individuals whose lives have been disrupted by crime. Whether a victim is robbed, assaulted, or abused, these individuals use victim services to begin a process of healing from their trauma. Providing healing from crime starts with law enforcement agencies providing a safe community for everyone through fair and impartial policing. Victim organizations are partners in making our communities safer. They have a unique perspective for those impacted by crime and their ability to work collaboratively with law enforcement agencies to prevent future crimes. ______________________________________________________________________________________________
