When a crime has been reported, the responding officer’s first concern is for the safety of all involved. Once the officer has established that the victim and anyone else involved at the scene are safe, the investigation begins. The Sheriff’s Office realizes the need to offer more than the response a qualified law enforcement officer can give. A deputy on the scene is better able to focus his/her efforts on the investigation if the victim is receiving the individual attention he/she deserves. Victim Advocates provide on-scene support and advocacy to victims and their families affected by crime or trauma.

Having information and understanding about law enforcement responsibilities, as well as your responsibilities as a victim throughout the criminal justice process may be helpful to you at this time.

Law Enforcement Responsibilities

Law enforcement agencies have the responsibility to provide the victim written information about:

• Community services such as crisis intervention services, victim assistance resources, legal resources, mental health services, financial services, and other support services;

• The availability of financial resources such as victim compensation and how to apply for those benefits;

• The availability of protective court orders in order to obtain protection from the person accused of committing the crime;

• The availability of public records related to the case; and

• Translation services, assistance in dealing with creditors due to financial setbacks caused by the crime, and childcare to enable a victim to cooperate with the prosecution.

In addition, law enforcement agencies are required to:

• Provide the victim with the business address and telephone number of the district attorney’s office, file number of the case, and the name, business address, and telephone number of any law enforcement officer assigned to investigate the case; and

• Keep the victim informed as to whether a suspect has been taken into custody and, if known, whether the suspect has been released from custody and any conditions imposed on the suspect.

Victim's Responsibilities

Victims have the following responsibilities:

• Report the crime immediately to the nearest law enforcement agency; report the crime as accurately as possible; and cooperate fully with the investigation.

• Keeping appropriate criminal justice authorities informed of your name, address, and telephone number or the person you designate to provide such information, and any changes in this information; and

Please remember…..as a victim, YOU are the most important part of the investigation, the apprehension of a suspect, and the judicial system.