In collaboration with the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC), multiple publications and resources have been developed that support enhanced response to victims and co-victims by law enforcement agencies.
Law Enforcement Policy Template Series
This policy template series provides sample language that law enforcement agencies can use when establishing or revising written policies to guide victim-centered, trauma-informed practices. The policy templates include the role of law enforcement-based victim services personnel in these practices. When preparing their own policies, agency personnel should revise the sample language as needed to ensure consistency with appropriate statutes and agency policies, procedures, and practices.
To advance the concepts within the policy templates, companion resources provide tools to support deeper understanding and practical application for agency personnel who have assigned responsibilities associated with each of the topics.
- Evidence and Property Management Policy Template
- Death Notifications Policy Template
- Media Relations Policy Template - (coming soon)
- Victims' Rights Policy Template - (coming soon)
IACPlearn: Law Enforcement-Based Victim Services webinars
Trauma-Informed Property Return
The removal and return of victims’ property can be traumatic but can also present opportunities for agencies to promote healing. This webinar explores components of effective agency policies, roles of agency personnel, common scenarios, and considerations for trauma-informed agency practices around property return.
Death Notifications Training Material
Circumstances involving unexpected deaths often require law enforcement personnel to notify individuals affected by the deaths. Being prepared to deliver this information without causing further harm is essential. This training material can help standardize practices to ensure affected individuals are treated with fairness, dignity, and respect; notified of their rights (when applicable); provided with status updates; and given information and referrals to address their needs.
- Trainer Guide - provides information on the target audience, training approach and goals, trainer requirements, and the suggested preparation for and use of the material.
- PowerPoint Template - slide deck includes trainer notes, references to source information, and suggested handouts.
- Handouts - recommended resources to support the training content and ongoing learning after the training.
- Activity Worksheets - documents that guide the application of the training content through practice scenarios.
Effective Delivery of Death Notifications - Trainer Guide (OVC) (pdf)
DownloadEffective Delivery of Death Notifications (PPT template), (OVC) (pptx)
DownloadEffective Delivery of Death Notifications - Activity Worksheets (OVC) (docx)
DownloadEffective Delivery of Death Notifications - Handouts (OVC) (pdf)
DownloadEffective Delivery of Death Notifications - Training Evaluation Template (OVC) (docx)
DownloadLAW ENFORCEMENT-BASED VICTIM SERVICES Roundtable
Community members are essential partners with law enforcement agencies in maintaining public safety - crime victims and co-victims represent a significant segment of the community. Incorporating law enforcement-based victim services can lead to tangible steps that address victims' and co-victims' needs and enhance police-community relationships. In October 2023, a roundtable discussion was held at the International Association of Chiefs of Police Conference to explore these concepts. A post-event report provides summarized field input from multiple law enforcement agencies and allied organizations. Information sheets highlight promising agency practices and helpful resources.
- Police-Community Relationships: Strategies for Incorporating Law Enforcement-Based Victim Services
- Victims' Rights and Agency Response
- Death Investigations and Notifications
- Evidence and Property Management
- Media Relations
- Funding and Agency Incorporation
Victim Services Unit - Practical Tools
VSU Response Checklists are powerful tools that can assist victim services personnel in effectively carrying out their assigned responsibilities which are often multilayered and time sensitive.
A VSU Resource Guide can assist victim services personnel in effectively receiving and completing referrals and supportive handoffs with external partners. These practical tools can reinforce overall performance and service standards that have been established through policies and training.
Developing a comprehensive 3–5-year VSU Strategic Plan that includes key focus areas of victims' rights, funding plan, services plan, staffing plan, and policies can help agency personnel perform assigned responsibilities confidently, enhance the ability to meet the needs of victims and co-victims, and reinforce community trust.
VSU Personnel Interview Material can help agencies establish fair and competitive recruitment, screening, and selection processes for victim services positions.
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