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Bringing Victims into Community Policing

U.S. Department of JusticeOffice of Community Oriented Policing Services

www.cops.usdoj.gov

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A Police Guide to First Response:Domestic Violence, Residential Burglary, andAutomobile Theftby The National Center for Victims of Crime and The Police Foundation

A Police Guide to First Response

This document was prepared by the National Center for Victims ofCrime and the Police Foundation, supported by 98-CK-WX-0074, awarded by the U.S. Department of Justice. Theopinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressedin this document are those of the authors and do not necessarilyrepresent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department ofJustice.

National Center for Victims of Crime

Susan Herman, Principal InvestigatorDavid R. AndersonDiane JohnsonKaren Dempsey

Police Foundation

David Weisburd, Principal InvestigatorRosann GreenspanGraham FarrellJustin Ready

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iAcknowledgments

Acknowledgments

"Bringing Victims into Community Policing" is the result ofhard work on the part of many people at the National Centerfor Victims of Crime, the Police Foundation, andprofessionals from the fields of policing, victim services,criminology, and criminal justice.

Susan Herman and David Weisburd led the project team asCo-principal Investigators. David Anderson managed theNational Center's efforts, conducted most of the site visits,and developed the first response guides and the model policyon repeat victimization. Rosann Greenspan and GrahamFarrell managed the Police Foundation efforts, conducted theliterature review, and analyzed the survey results.

Karen Dempsey coordinated the focus groups and the forum,developed the case examples for the first response guides, andassisted with the development of the model policy on repeatvictimization. Insightful editorial assistance was provided byDiane Alexander, Trudy Gregorie, Barry Meiners, LaraMurray, and Cressida Wasserman.

Justin Ready, of the Police Foundation, conducted the surveysof police and victim service organizations. At the PoliceFoundation, the following people were involved in the earlystages of the development of the survey and the review:Brooke Bedrick, Annette Gartin, Erin Lane, Ann MarieMcNally, and Michael Prachar. Diane Johnson, of theNational Center, developed the victims service organizationsurvey. In addition, the following team worked on differentaspects of the survey interviews, data coding, data entry anddata cleaning: Carsten Andresen, Liz Ashmine, YeseniaFermin, Sam Hakim, Vilma Hernandez, James Perlez, MarissaPorchak, Jesy Pizzarro, Tawandra Rowell, Tom Sharpe,Aislynn Stearn, Vanja Stenius, Ernesto Urbina, Erika Vergara,Laura Wycoff, and Kristen Zgoba.

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Perri Gottlieb assisted in the collation of the literature,various aspects of the data analysis and the preparation ofmany tables for this report. Heather Sparks transcribed manyinterviews and assisted in the preparation of the data tables.Kelli Edwards assisted in data entry and transcription of theNational Center. Diane Johnson helped develop and managethe national survey.

Three consultants worked on the survey in differentcapacities: Steven Mastrofski, Edward Maguire, and RhodaCohen.

For their continued support, we thank Karin Schmerler,Stacey Bushée, and Nancy Leach of the Office ofCommunity Oriented Policing Services (COPS). For theirtime and valuable input, special thanks go to Mary Blake-Holly, Victim Services (Jacksonville, Florida); JamesBueermann, Redlands (CA) Police Department; CressidaBridgeman, British Home Office; Pam Chapman, NationalOrganization for Black Law Enforcement Executives, SylviaChenery, University of Huddersfield (England); Ed Davis,Lowell (MA) Police Department; Rob Davis,Vera Institute ofJustice; Lisbeth Eddy, Seattle (WA) Police Department; SteveEckstrom, Washington State Office of Crime VictimsAdvocacy; Carroll Ellis, Fairfax County (VA) PoliceDepartment; Ron Fernstedt, Utah County Sheriff; Ed Flynn,Arlington County (VA) Police Department; Don Georgens,Office of the Attorney General (TX); Ellen Halbert, TravisCounty (TX) District Attorney's Office; Earl Mathis,Charlotte - Mecklenburg (NC) Police Department; RodneyMonroe, Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Police Department;Silverio Ontiveros, Phoenix (AZ) Police Department; JaneSadusky, Battered Women's Justice Project; RanaSampson,Community Policing Associates; and Joan Scanlan.

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iiiContents

ContentsLetter from the Director of COPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Introduction and Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

A Description of Repeat Victimization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Model Policy: Preventing Repeat Victimization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

A Guide to First Response . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

First Response to Domestic Violence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

First Response to Residential Burglary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

First Response to Automobile Theft . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

Endnotes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79

Additional Resources. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

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1A Police Guide to First ResponseDomestic Violence, Residential Burglary and Automobile Theft

Letter From the Director

Dear Colleague:The community policing philosophy emphasizes theimportance of problem-solving partnerships. Lawenforcement professionals have shown over and over againthat crime and disorder problems are most efficiently andeffectively solved when all the stakeholders are represented inthe solution. The victim of a crime is arguably the mostimportant stakeholder in the criminal justice system, and oftenunderserved. Such victims represent a significant resourceavailable to law enforcement to help address crime and thefear of crime in communities across the country.

Our partners in advancing community policing, the NationalCenter for Victims of Crime (NCVC) and the PoliceFoundation, felt that an untapped opportunity existed for lawenforcement to bring victims of crime into communitypolicing. Law enforcement professionals could not only betterserve members of their communities, they could also involvemore stakeholders in solving community problems. Together,NCVC and the Police Foundation used COPS grants toproduce this toolkit, Bringing Victims into CommunityPolicing. This toolkit includes three First Response Guidesthat address bringing victims into community policing in thefollowing areas: Domestic Violence, Residential Burglary, andAutomobile Theft.

Local law enforcement professionals are often the first tocome into contact with victims of crime. This toolkit providesguidance to community policing professionals who interactwith victims and victim service organizations at every step ofthe process. It addresses repeat victimization and how to

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break that cycle. It provides helpful information aboutbuilding successful partnerships between law enforcement andvictim service organizations. This toolkit offers insights intoresources that many law enforcement organizations currentlyoverlook.

This toolkit reinforces one of the cornerstones of communitypolicing: that collaborative partnerships are an effective way tosolve and prevent crime. The research performed by NCVCand the Police Foundation show that closer collaborationbetween crime victims, victim service organizations, and lawenforcement can significantly benefit each party, and thistoolkit explains how that can benefit your agency. COPS isproud to help fund this and other valuable research availableto law enforcement agencies to advance community policing.Bringing victims into community policing is one more waycommunity policing keeps America safe.

DirectorOffice of Community Oriented Policing Services

2 Bringing Victims into Community Policing

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3Introduction and Overview

Introductionby

Susan Herman, National Center for Victims of CrimeDavid Weisburd, Police FoundationCo-principal Investigators

Our project, "Bringing Victims into Community Policing,"started with the premise that community policing would besignificantly enhanced by the development of a strongerrelationship between crime victims and police. We theorizedthat a collaborative problem-solving relationship betweenpolice and crime victims (and crime victims' organizations)could strengthen crime control and order maintenance, andcontribute to reducing the fear of crime in communities.

The Office of Community Oriented Policing Services agreedto help us explore this idea by providing a generous grant.Our project emphasizes collaboration as a central componentin building effective crime prevention approaches.Accordingly, we also sought to develop a fully collaborativeapproach to the research itself. Staff at the National Centerfor Victims of Crime and at the Police Foundation workedtogether on each aspect of the project and on the productsthat were developed.

Over the past 18 months, our project team has surveyedhundreds of police and victim organizations, visitedpromising programs throughout the United States and theUnited Kingdom, and conducted a comprehensive literaturereview to understand the current state of relationshipsbetween police and victims of crime. In addition, we haveconducted focus groups with representatives from victimservice and police organizations, and we held a day-longforum with more than 20 representatives from victimservices, policing, and academia. This work has convinced us

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that crime victims can indeed play a significant role in theresponse to their own victimization and the effort to solvecommunity crime problems.

To illustrate the role that victims and victim organizations canplay, we have developed a set of tools designed to help policeorganizations prevent repeat victimization and respondeffectively to victims of crime. Our model policy onpreventing repeat victimization provides a blueprint for howpolice organizations could begin to integrate the preventionof repeat victimization into general operations. Our guide tofirst response recommends a collaborative problem-solvingapproach between police and victims, and then illustrates howthat approach can be used in response to domestic violence,residential burglary and automobile theft.

Several themes emerged from our work.

Victims are stakeholders. Police usually treat victims asclients, with services being delivered to them. Whilevictims of crime do need help, they are also keyparticipants in the immediate response to the crime, theongoing investigation of the incident, and efforts toprevent a recurrence. By approaching victims as powerfuland resourceful stakeholders, police can have a greaterimpact on crime and perceptions of community safety.

Victim service organizations offer uniqueopportunities for partnership. Victim serviceorganizations (VSO) have unique knowledge andcapabilities that could enhance efforts to investigate andprevent crime. Victims often give different kinds of crime-related information to counselors at VSOs than theywould to police officers. Still respecting the confidentialityof their clients, VSOs can identify patterns of crime aswell as gaps and deficiencies in police services that police


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may not know of otherwise, participate in problem solvingactivities, and help to prevent repeat victimization.Through their work with victims, VSOs can play animportant part in community policing.

Productive relationships between police and victimsrequire better communication. Victims often have toolittle information about police procedure and whathappens during the initial response to and subsequentinvestigation of a crime. Interaction with a victim shouldinclude an educational component designed to increaseunderstanding and facilitate a victim's active participationin problem-solving.

Reducing the risk of repeat victimization is animportant component of effective response to crime.The risk of revictimization increases with eachvictimization. By working to prevent repeat victimization,police can reduce the occurrence of crime and enhanceindividual and community safety.

Partnership is key to preventing repeat victimization.There is an opportunity to transform society's response tocrime by building collaborative relationships betweenvictims of crime, the organizations that serve them, andpolice. Because the time that officers can spend withvictims is limited, police organizations should developresponses that include civilian employees and other non-police agencies and organizations. By breaking downorganizational barriers and building strategic alliances,police can improve the response to victims withoutnecessarily increasing their workload.

Police and victim service organizations can findcommon ground in preventing crime. Sometimeslanguage gets in the way of collaboration. "Crime

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prevention" is something that police organizations tend todo at a community or group level. Victim serviceorganizations are often hesitant to focus on crimeprevention because they are usually focused exclusively onthe aftermath of crime. However, victim serviceorganizations, especially those working on domesticviolence and stalking, often assist individual victims with"safety planning" to develop strategies to maximize thevictim's safety. Collaborative efforts using both theseapproaches could prove to be very effective.

In summary, our overall project has reinforced for us theimportance of closer collaboration between crime victims,crime victim organizations, and the police. It is time to bringthe victim into community policing.

Our work shows that community policing can be greatlyenhanced by working to prevent repeat victimization andbuilding collaborative problem solving relationships withvictims and victim organizations. The information and toolsincluded in this package are a distillation of all that we havelearned over the last 18 months about the relationshipbetween police and crime victims. We hope that thesematerials will help police organizations enhance the practiceof community policing by building stronger problem solvingrelationships with crime victims and the organizations thatserve them.


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Overview of Publication

The publication is divided into four main sections:

1. Description of Repeat VictimizationThis section defines repeat victimization and points to itssignificance within overall crime totals. It describes howanalysis of data collected from non-traditional as well astraditional sources can lead to a better understanding ofthe challenges of repeat victimization. It illustrates howthe effectiveness of the first response by police can beenhanced through the adoption of an analytic, problem-solving approach that includes victims. It explains how theuse of a graduated response, geared to the victim's level ofrisk, can prevent repeat victimization.

2. Model PolicyThis section provides a blueprint for a department-widepolicy for the prevention of repeat victimization. TheModel Policy describes the steps required in order tocreate a more effective system for combating repeatvictimization. It delineates the roles of first response,graduated response, victim assistance, data recording andanalysis, dispatching and reporting systems, training, andperformance evaluation in preventing repeat victimization.

3. Guide to First ResponseThis section provides an overview of the significance ofthe first response to crime in the prevention ofrevictimization. It highlights the opportunity that firstresponse provides for building collaborative, problem-solving relationships with victims. It explains why firstresponse is so critical. It illustrates how initial policeinteraction with victims can enhance or inhibit their

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involvement in helping to solve crimes and preventrevictimization. It shows how police officers can help setrealistic victim expectations and educate victims to be fullpartners in the response to a crime incident.

4. Three Specific GuidesThis section contains three "first response" guides forthree different crime categories. These guides are designedto complement local protocols and policies governingpolice responses to the victims of these types of crime.All highlight the importance of setting realisticexpectations and gaining a sound understanding of thecontext and/or history of the crime. All stress the role ofrecording and reviewing information, safety planning, andproblem-solving. All include first response checklists, caseexamples, and sample "Crime Incident Actions Forms."

(a) First Response to Domestic Violence

The First Response Guide to Domestic Violencehighlights the need for police officers to understandthe nature of domestic violence and the priorhistory– the background to the incident underinvestigation. It sets out questions that the officermust ask in order to gain critical information. Itshows the importance of discovering whether theoffender has a criminal record, a history of substanceabuse, a history of violent behavior towards otherpeople or animals, access to firearms, details ofprobation or parole officers who are involved,whether there were witnesses to the current incident.


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It illustrates the kind of details that the officer mustseek from the victim to help ensure safety andprevent re-victimization.

(b) First Response to Residential Burglary

The First Response Guide to Residential Burglaryexplains how to work in cooperation with victims andgain an understanding of the context in which thecrime occurred. It lays out key questions officersshould ask victims in order to discover the facts andreduce the risk of repeat victimization throughappropriate safety planning. It stresses the need tolearn and understand neighborhood factors (such astensions between families or groups) and get a clearpicture of recent criminal activity in the area (e.g.,drug dealing, street crimes, as well as burglaries).

(c) First Response to Automobile Theft

This guide illustrates the kinds of questions policeofficers need to ask victims in order to discover thenature of the incident and reduce the risk of repeatvictimization. It focuses on the special problems thatarise when people lose their normal means oftransportation. It suggests ways in which victims maybe able to reduce their risk for future automobiletheft.

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11A Description of Repeat Victimization

A Description of Repeat Victimization

Repeat victimization occurs when the same person or targetsuffers more than one crime incident over a specified periodof time. Patterns of repeat victimization can occur in a widerange of crime types including burglary, automobile theft,assault, robbery, witness intimidation, domestic violence,stalking, sexual assault, hate crimes, and vandalism. A personor target may suffer the same type of crime repeatedly (forexample, repeated burglaries) or different types of crime.

In some jurisdictions, repeat victimization can account formore than 50 percent of certain crimes.1 Moreover, analysis ofcriminal history data and victimization surveys demonstratesthat a small percentage of people and targets suffer a largepercentage of all crimes. One crime survey showed that 2percent of respondents reported 41 percent of all propertycrime and 1 percent of respondents experienced 59 percentof all personal crime.2

The International Crime Victims Survey provides data on theportion of particular crimes in the United States attributableto repeat victimization:3

Burglary 33% of all burglaries

Automobile Theft 32% of all auto thefts

Assault and Threats 43% of all assaults and threats

Thefts from Persons 15% of all thefts from persons

Sexual Assault 49% of all sexual assaults

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The survey's findings are only estimates. Some researchersbelieve that actual rates of repeat victimization are greater,especially in high crime areas (Pease, 1998).

An individual's risk of repeat victimization depends on anumber of variables, including personal characteristics,perpetrator characteristics, and crime type. Police personnelshould never use general repeat victimization rates to establishthe risk faced by an individual victim. Victims should simplybe informed that the risk of revictimization exists, that therisk is highest during the first few months after an incident,and that the overall risk increases as the number ofvictimizations increases.

The Promise of Preventing Repeat Victimization

A fundamental tenet of community policing holds that policeshould work with community-based partners to solveproblems. The most difficult aspect of problem solving is theidentification and effective analysis of problems. Policeorganizations use an array of macro-level tactics to identifyand analyze crime problems. Data are collected, crime mapsare analyzed, patrol officers are surveyed, and communityorganizations are consulted. This approach depends on a highlevel of resources and tends to only identify problems oncethey have become big enough to draw police attention.

In contrast, identifying and preventing repeat victimization isproblem solving that starts at the micro level. Because repeatvictimization affects individual people and targets, effectiveproblem solving begins at an individual level and moves tolarger groups when appropriate.

To fully understand the nature of repeat victimization anddevelop effective responses, law enforcement agencies must


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capitalize on non-traditional as well as traditional sources ofinformation. It's essential, for example, to look beyond arrestdata and calls for service and consider residential, businessand environmental surveys, victim and offender interviews,mapping/GIS data, and social services data. The next task isto analyze this data.

Thorough data analysis can yield surprising information aboutunderlying causes, illuminating problems and pointing the wayto solutions. Only through sound analysis can the detailedpicture needed to fashion effective responses emerge. Withoutit, opportunities to develop alternative, non-traditionalresponses are likely to be missed and strategies to preventrepeat victimization are likely to fail.

One final point. Effective first response is vital to address theproblem of repeat victimization. But, it can also reducereliance on resource-intensive problem identification methods,enabling the early resolution of crime problems.

Implications of a Policy to Prevent RepeatVictimization

This policy creates an approach to preventing repeatvictimization that focuses on victim safety and strengthens thefoundation of community policing: partnering and problemsolving. Creating an organizational focus on preventing repeatvictimization of individuals will affect many principlesgoverning police operations.

The Primacy of Prevention – Crime prevention shouldbe a primary police activity beginning during the firstresponse to a crime incident and reinforced by secondaryresponders.

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The Importance of First Response – The nature andquality of the first response to an incident greatlyinfluences the safety of the victim. A police organizationcommitted to preventing repeat victimization mustemphasize the importance of first response throughtraining and management of patrol officers (performanceevaluations and promotions).

A Continuum of Response – The first response to acrime should be the beginning of a longer period ofinterventions involving other units of the policeorganization and partner organizations (such as victimservice providers).

Collapsing Boundaries – Preventing repeat victimizationis a natural way for police organizations to collaborate withother governmental and community organizations. Themeasurable outcomes of preventing repeat victimizationwill help to clarify shared goals.

The Opportunity for Victims to be Partners –Community policing to prevent repeat victimization canenable victims to play an important role in problemsolving and prevention efforts. Victims can partner withpolice in response to their own victimization and join withpolice and other community stakeholders to work oncommunity problem solving efforts.

Problem-Oriented Record Keeping – Police recordkeeping should allow for the identification and analysis ofrepeat victimization. In addition to criminal historyrecords, police organizations need to maintainvictimization history records and keep track of responsesand outcomes to provide performance measurementinformation. Information about a person's priorvictimization can be just as important as information


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about the history of crime at a location. The success ofprevention activities can then be measured by tracking theoccurrence of repeat victimizations.

A Graduated Response to Crime and Victimization

Most police organizations have policies and procedures thatcreate different responses to different types of crime andallocate resources based on organizational priorities. Dispatchpolicies prioritize incidents and assign police response basedon the severity of the incident (a practice called differentialresponse). Patrol officers and other personnel are allocatedbased on calls for service or another workload measurement.Crime prevention and victim services are provided dependingon the type and severity of crime incidents.

It is possible to use repeat victimization information todevelop a system that allocates policing resources to thepeople and places most in need of assistance. Because the riskof another victimization increases with each repeatedvictimization, the number of repeats can give police a reliablemeasure of a victim's future risk. It is important that policeinterventions change in response to increasing risks. By usinga graduated response to crime incidents, police can create asystem of evolving interventions that match the level ofresponse with the level of risk.

A strategy of graduated response begins with the firstvictimization and then increases the level of interventionbased primarily on the number of repeat victimizations.

Components of graduated response:

• Response is standardized and defined in policy andprocedures.

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• Additional prevention-oriented resources during the firstresponse to the first incident to reduce the number ofchronic and severe cases.

• Response levels determined largely by the number ofrepeat victimizations (because the number of repeats is agood predictor of risk).

• First responders are made aware of prior victimizationsand play a significant role in the delivery of services and indetermining the appropriate level of response.

An Example of a Graduated Response to ResidentialBurglary

A graduated response protocol for residential burglary couldhave three different levels of response to burglary incidents.In general, response levels will be determined by the numberof incidents – Level 1 applying to the first incidence ofburglary, Level 2 the second incidence, and Level 3 for threeor more re-victimizations. However, police personnel wouldhave the discretion to apply higher response levels (based ondefined decision-making policies). Here are two examples ofthe way a graduated response would work:

A Level 1 response to a burglary would include the policesending a letter to the victim explaining available resourcesand assistance options and provision of discount coupons forsecurity equipment and a crime prevention pamphlet, but itmight also involve a home security audit.

A Level 2 response would require (in addition to the Level 1responses) a visit from the Crime Prevention Officer or othersecurity professionals, installation of free temporarymonitored alarm, interviews with neighbors, checking withinformants, and checking stolen property outlets. It might alsoinclude increased police patrols. The different levels ofresponse are summarized in the following chart.


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A few of the interventions listed in this example requiredefinitions:

• Cocoon Watch – similar to a neighborhood watch, but morefocused. A cocoon watch concentrates on organizing thesurrounding neighbors in an effort to increase surveillanceand provide assistance to the victim.

• Marking dyes – exploding dye packets similar to those usedto identify bank robbers. Packets are hidden in commonlystolen items in order to help identify the perpetrator.

• Tracking devices – signal devices attached to commonlystolen items so that police can find where the items aretaken.

Chart: Graduated Response to Residential Burglary

Required:• Letter to victim explaining

the available resources andassistance options.

• Discount coupons forsecurity equipment.

• Crime prevention advicepamphlet.

Discretionary (Police decisionor victim's informed choice):• Property engraving or

marking.• Home security audit.• Security equipment loan.• Police target potential

offenders.

Response includes all ofLevel 1 plus:

Required:• Visit from Crime

Prevention Officer orother security professional.

• Installation of freetemporary monitoredalarm.

• Interview neighbors.• Check informants.• Check outlets for stolen

property.

Discretionary:• Increased police patrol.• Forensic analysis

(fingerprints and otherphysical evidence).

• Cocoon Watch.

Response includes all ofLevels 1 and 2 plus:

Required:• Forensic analysis.• Installation of hidden

cameras and alarms.

Discretionary:• Marking dyes to identify

offenders.• Tracking devices to

monitor and identify thelocation of stolenproperty.

Level 1 Level 2 Level 3

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A graduated response protocol need not require an increase inpolice resources. Instead, it should allow for the allocation ofpolice resources to the locations and persons most affected bycrime. Moreover, early intervention should reduce the numberof severe and escalating problems, allowing resources to beallocated to proactive problem solving efforts.

Huddersfield

In 1994, officials in Huddersfield, England created agraduated response for residential burglary that consisted ofthree levels depending on the number of victimizations. Oneincident merited a Bronze level response, two incidents aSilver level, and three incidents a Gold level. The three levelseach provided a range of tactics that could be used to addressresidential burglary problems. If an officer felt it necessary,Silver or Gold level tactics could be used for a first response.At the end of the program, the graduated response wasjudged to have reduced the incidence of residential burglaryby 30 percent, reduced the level of repeat burglaries,increased the number of offenders arrested, and improved thequality of service to victims (Bridgeman and Hobbes, 1997).

Killingbeck

Another example of graduated response is a 1997 domesticviolence prevention project conducted in Killingbeck,England. Again, three levels of response were defined, bothfor victims and for offenders. Patrol officers played a key rolein some interventions, but a commanding officer wasresponsible for evaluating each case to determine theappropriate level of response. The Killingbeck projectresulted in an increase in the reporting of domestic violenceincidents, a reduction in repeat victimization, and an increasein the time intervals between domestic violence incidents(Hanmer, et al, 1999).


Successful Graduated Response Models

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Implementing a Policy on Repeat Victimization

Repeat victimization should also be addressed in policepolicies governing the following topics:

• Particular incident types – Policies governing theresponse to specific crimes, or types of crime, shouldaddress repeat victimization. Policies should include anyknowledge about the nature of repeat victimization for aspecific crime type and guidelines for how the organizationand its partners can work to reduce the risk of repeatvictimization. While most prevention efforts will focus onrecurrence of the same crime type, special attentionshould be paid to situations involving domestic violence,stalking, hate crimes, and witness intimidation becauserepeat victimization can take a variety of forms.

• Victim confidentiality issues – Policies related toconfidentiality and information management shouldspecify how victimization history records are to bemanaged and protected to ensure that the privacy rights ofvictims are not compromised.

• Information management – All procedures for recordkeeping and analysis of information should support thegoal of preventing repeat victimization. For example,crime reporting systems should track repeat incidentsaffecting a particular victim over a defined period of time.

• Communications – Policies covering the activities ofemergency and non-emergency call takers, dispatchers andother communications personnel should specify how theycan help to identify and prevent repeat victimization.

• Response procedures – The management of policeresponse should support graduated response and, whereapplicable, participation by non-police partners.

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• Victim services – police-based victim services unitsshould work in partnership with community-based victimservices, crime prevention groups and communityorganizations to provide broad support for the preventionof repeat victimization.

Ultimately, all procedures and policies should reflect a goal ofpreventing repeat victimization. Achieving this goal can beaccomplished incrementally, rolling out different programsand procedures to support the policy. For example, animplementation process could begin by developing andimplementing a graduated response to burglary accompaniedby changes in record keeping to support the collection ofrepeat burglary incidents. Police organizations could thenprogress to crafting a response to domestic violence and soon, until all aspects of the organization have been adapted tothe new focus on preventing repeat victimization.


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21Model Policy: Preventing Repeat Victimization

Model Policy: Preventing RepeatVictimization

Problem StatementA. Repeat victimization is a substantial part of all crime in

[name of police organization's jurisdiction]. A victim'srisk of repeat victimization increases with eachrevictimization. Without effective intervention, repeatvictimization endangers citizens and depletes theresources of this organization and the entirecommunity.

PurposeA. The purpose of this policy is to govern how members

of [name of police organization] will work to preventrepeat victimization.

PolicyA. It is the policy of [name of police organization] to

respond to victims of crime in a manner that will helpto reduce the risk of repeat victimization. Members ofthis organization will seek to prevent repeatvictimization.1. All personnel will understand how repeat

victimization affects their work and what they cando to prevent it.

2. The extent of repeat victimization will be measuredand performance evaluations will include, wheneverpossible and appropriate, the assessment of howpersonnel contribute to the prevention of repeatvictimization.

3. The [name of police organization] will seek tocollaborate with other government agencies andcommunity organizations to reduce repeatvictimization.

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4. The [name of police organization] will collect andanalyze data from traditional and non-traditionalsources to build the detailed picture of repeatvictimization that will inform its preventionstrategies.

DefinitionsA. Repeat victimization occurs when the same person or

target suffers from more than one crime incident overa specified period of time.1. A person who has been victimized has a greater risk

of being victimized in the future than a person whohas never been victimized. The risk ofrevictimization increases each time a person isvictimized. This phenomenon of increasing risksalso affects targets.

2. Repeat victimizations occur soon after the firstvictimization, with the period of greatest risk lastingno more than six months.

3. Most repeat victimizations involve the same type ofcrime. However, victims of domestic violence,stalking, hate crimes, and witness intimidation aremore likely to experience a variety of offenses.

B. Graduated response – a system of response that bases thetype and degree of intervention on a victim's risk ofrevictimization. The most important measure of risk isthe number of times a victim has been victimized inthe past 12 months. Other factors (such as the severityof the most recent victimization, characteristics of theoffender, level of violence, etc.) should also be takeninto account when determining the appropriateresponse.1. Level 1 – repeat victimization prevention strategies

for first-time victims.2. Level 2 – measures that are moderately resource-

intensive and targeted at victims with a moderaterisk of revictimization.


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3. Level 3 – highly intensive responses targeted atvictims with a high risk of revictimization.

C. First responder – any member of the organization (otherthan a 911 operator) who has initial contact with avictim of a crime and is gathering information for acomplaint or incident report. Such contact can occureither in person or through telecommunications.1. For example, a 911 operator would not be a first

responder, but a call-back operator who gathersinformation for an automobile theft report wouldbe a first responder.

D. Secondary contact – any member or partner of the [nameof police organization] who contacts a victim followinga first responder and after the occurrence of anincident. In general, a secondary contact is responsiblefor investigating an incident and/or providingassistance to a victim.1. Examples of secondary contacts include victim

advocates, detectives, crime prevention experts, andadministrative staff.

E. Safety plan – a strategy to increase the safety of anindividual victimized by criminal behavior. This plancan be developed with the assistance of a firstresponder or secondary contact, depending on theavailable resources.

F. Crime prevention – activities intended to prevent theoccurrence of crime.

G. Victim – a person directly affected by a criminal act.

H. Target – a place or object that is the focus of a criminalact.

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I. Victim assistance – any assistance provided to victims by[name of police organization] or partners of thisorganization. Such assistance could include servicereferral, giving "Last Step in First Response" cards tovictims, safety planning, counseling, and supportactivities.

ProceduresA. Initial Response

1. First responders will work with victims to:1. decrease the risk of immediate revictimization

by helping victims identify risks and suggestingactions that could reduce identified risks.

2. inform victims about available prevention andsupport services and ensure that the appropriatetype of secondary contact [define] is providedby this organization or its partners.a. The [name of police organization] will create

and maintain a process that enables theassignment of secondary contacts by firstresponders.

b. The [name of police organization] will definea process by which information about theinitial response is communicated tosecondary contacts.

B. Graduated Response1. The [name of police organization] will provide a

graduated response based on the number of priorvictimizations and the risk of revictimization asdetermined by the evaluation of associated riskfactors.1. Level 1 responses will be provided to all crime

victims.2. Level 2 and Level 3 responses will be provided

based on the number of repeat victimizationsand the assessed risk of revictimization.


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2. The [name of police organization] will develop andmaintain a system that involves first responders,investigators, victim assistance providers andanalysts in the definition of response levels forevery type of crime and victimization.

C. Victim Assistance and Investigations1. Victim assistance will be provided through the

[name of police organization] victim assistanceprogram and/or through partnerships withprosecutor or court-based victim services, andcommunity-based victim services.

2. The goals of victim assistance will be to helpvictims:1. develop and implement short and long term

safety plans.2. understand and participate in the criminal justice

process related to the particular crime.3. understand and access the resources available for

counseling, compensation and other forms ofpractical assistance and information.a. These goals apply to any [name of police

organization] victim assistance and will beincorporated into any partnerships with otherorganizations.

3. Investigators will:1. interview victims and analyze incidents using

methods intended to discover the context andhistory surrounding the crime incident.a. information should be gathered about

previous incidents and other knowledge thatcould help in the identification andprevention of repeat victimization.

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2. explain what information is necessary for asuccessful investigation and collaborate with thevictim in an effort to obtain the information.a. Investigators will provide victims with

written information about the investigatoryprocess and how victims can contact theinvestigators to provide additionalinformation or to receive an update aboutthe case.

3. First responders, secondary contacts (and allother personnel who have contact with victims)will collaborate with crime victims to developand implement problem solving strategies.

4. The [name of police organization] will manage aprocess that informs victims about the status ofa case.

D. Records and Analysis1. Records of calls for service, dispatches, activities,

and criminal cases will be created and maintained toallow measurement and analysis of repeatvictimization.1. A rolling period of 12 months will be used to

track repeat victimization.2. Systems will record information to allow review

of the victimization history of any victim ortarget.

3. Record systems will allow the comparison ofincident information so that patterns of repeatvictimization can be identified over a definedperiod of time.

4. Historical information will be gathered andmaintained for both targets and victims.


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2. Analysts will use records and reports to search forpatterns of repeat victimization for victims andtargets.1. The analysis of repeat victimization will be

incorporated into other analyses of crimepatterns, resource deployment and servicedemands.

3. The [name of police organization] will develop andoperate a system that regularly evaluates theeffectiveness of efforts to prevent repeatvictimization.

E. Communications1. Dispatch and reporting systems will record and

provide personal and location information aboutprevious victimizations within the past twelve (12)months.

F. Training1. All personnel will receive basic and continuing

training in preventing repeat victimization.1. Existing training curricula will be revised to

include information about repeat victimization,where appropriate.

2. New curricula will be developed and maintainedso that training in the prevention of repeatvictimization can be delivered to both lawenforcement and civilian personnel.

G. Performance Evaluation1. The [name of police organization] will create and

manage a process by which all personnel areevaluated based on their success in reducing repeatvictimization.

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29A Guide to First Response

A Guide to First Response

Introduction

The first response to a crime incident requires decisive action.The crime scene must be secured, the safety of victims andwitnesses must be assured, and information about the incidentmust be collected. The first responder has a great deal ofresponsibility and limited time to accomplish what needs tobe done. To add to the pressure, how these initial tasks areaccomplished has a tremendous impact on the investigation ofthe crime incident, the long-term safety of victims and, forthat matter, the safety of the entire community.

More than anything else, the first response is an opportunityfor police to build a collaborative, problem solvingrelationship with victims. Done well, the first response canhelp to make a bad situation better. Done poorly, the firstresponse can alienate victims and reduce the possibility of asuccessful investigation and/or decrease a victim's willingnessto participate in the criminal justice process.

An effective first response should meet the needs of thepolice and the needs of victims. Police should be sensitive tovictims' emotional responses to crime. They should alsorespect the important role that victims can play in theinvestigation of the crime and the prevention of futureincidents. Victims may have special knowledge about crimeand disorder problems. Sometimes, they may not be aware ofthis knowledge. For this reason, it is important to discuss withthe victim not only the circumstances of the particular crime,but also why this problem is occurring and ways it might besolved. Ultimately, first response is an opportunity to learn thefacts of the present, understand the past, and developstrategies to prevent repeat victimization in the future.

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Background

Police departments have become increasingly concerned withthe needs of crime victims. Victims and victim serviceorganizations have urged police to improve officer sensitivity,develop services to assist victims and to guide victims throughthe intricacies of the criminal justice system. Throughout theUnited States, police organizations have responded to the callfor better victim services by developing a universe ofprograms intended to increase police sensitivity and providesupport.

Incorporating the philosophy of community policing into firstresponse presents the opportunity to do more. The initialcontact between police and victims can be much more than achance for police to provide support and comfort. It can bethe beginning of a problem solving partnership. Crimevictims have a tremendous stake in the crime that has affectedthem and they can be powerful partners with police.

As partners, victims can help

Solve crime – Research shows that victims are vital tocrime solving. If first responders are unable to obtainuseful information from victims, it is very unlikely that thecrime will be solved (Rand, 1975 and Eck, 1983).

Reduce their own risk – Victims can reduce their risk ofrevictimization if they are educated about what they cando to prevent a repeat incident, and then receive help withsafety planning and implementation.

Prevent community crime – By working with police tosolve and prevent crime, victims can enhance safety intheir communities. Effective response to victims can helpto strengthen the entire community by buildingrelationships to prevent future victimization.


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The Components of the Guides

The following three guides to first response are intended tohelp police personnel respond to incidents of domesticviolence, residential burglary, and automobile theft. They buildon an existing foundation of basic training in victims' needsand concerns, interviewing techniques, and police operations.Based on the dual tenets of community policing, partneringand problem solving, these guides are designed to help createcollaborative problem solving relationships between crimevictims and police.

The interview process begins by setting expectations andexplaining the anticipated results of the interview. The nextstep seeks to create an understanding of what happened andexplore the deeper context of the crime incident. Next, theprocess moves into a planning effort intended to reduce therisk of revictimization, prepare victims for the next steps inthe criminal justice process, and to explain what the victimcan do to help the investigation of the crime. The interviewprocess ends with the completion of a Crime Incident ActionForm, which summarizes the interview, provides contactinformation, and records the main points of the safety plan.Sample Crime Incident Action Forms and First ResponseChecklist Cards are included with this publication.

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The Importance of Expectations

Helping a victim understand what to expect is essential tobuilding an effective relationship between police and victims(Chandek, et al., 1998). Research into victim assessments ofpolice response has found that "...greater attention should bepaid to the manner in which police officers interact withcrime victims and that the officers should provide victimswith information and advice that is pertinent to theirparticular victimization (Hirschel, et al., 1998)."

First Response Checklist Card (General)

Police should know:__ What happened.__ Victim information.__ Offender information.__ Victim's safety plan.

Victim should know:__ Role in investigation.__ Next steps.__ Who to contact for help and information.__ How to minimize risk.__ What to expect in the future.

__ Who was involved.__ What happened.__ Has anything like it happened before.

__ Ways to help prevent another incident.__ How to aid the police investigation.__ Where to get help.__ Five Day Safety Plan.

__ Complete Incident Action Form.

Set Expectations

Understand the Incident

Safety Planning

Review and RecordInformation

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By creating realistic expectations, the interview processencourages the development of a collaborative relationshipbetween victims and police. Too often, a police officer'suniform, weapons and authority create an imbalance of powerin which victims merely follow the officer's direction. One ofthe primary goals of effective first response should be toeducate victims so that they can be full partners in theresponse to a crime incident.

First responders should also be prepared to find ways to workwith victims who are not able to collaborate with police.Some victims may be so traumatized by an incident that theyare unable to participate in the activities specified in the guide.Others may be incapacitated by drugs or alcohol. Somevictims may have developmental disabilities. Victims maysuffer from a physical or mental illness. There can be culturalor language barriers that make it difficult for victims andpolice to communicate.

The first response should provide the opportunity for all victimsto play a responsible role in the aftermath of crime. Policeorganizations should be prepared to dispatch special servicessuch as translators or counselors when necessary. In addition,secondary responders (such as victim services personnel orinvestigators) play an even more important role in theresponse to victims with special needs. In many cases, theappropriate secondary response should be able to workthrough the process outlined in these guides.

The Benefits of Using the Guides

A standardized first response that promotes collaborationshould improve the effectiveness of initial interviews. Sincethe information gathered during a first response is vital toeffective investigation and prevention of repeat victimization,the guides are designed to help reduce crime and increase theeffectiveness of community policing.

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Police conduct has a tremendous influence on how victimsrespond to the aftermath of a crime. A compassionate andeffective response will help to create a positive perception ofthe police and encourage victims to work with the police andother agencies of the criminal justice system.

Implementation

Law enforcement agencies wishing to implement theprocesses outlined in the guides should make adjustments tofit local laws, policies, and procedures. Customized firstresponse procedures will need to specify the role of theresponding officer, define the criminal justice processes, andprovide detailed information about local victim assistanceresources. More specific questions should be developed, basedon local laws and conditions. Remember to allow the firstresponse interview to flow naturally rather than requireofficers to read a defined list of questions. It is important thatfirst responders use these guides to develop a two-wayconversation with victims.

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First Response toDomestic ViolencePrepared by David R. Anderson and Susan Herman

Domestic ViolenceFirst Response

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37First Response to Domestic Violence

This guide is designed to complement local protocols andofficer training on domestic violence issues. It assumes that aresponding officer will first assess a victim's physical andemotional safety. A victim's need for medical attention andpersonal safety is of primary importance. A first responderwill also want to make sure that the victim is separated fromthe perpetrator so that the interview is private. Also,remember to find out if there are any children involved andtake steps to keep them safe.

I. Set Expectations

Setting expectations at the beginning of a first response iscritical. Be clear and realistic about what you and yourpolice organization can and cannot do. Explain any timeconstraints that may exist and let the victim know that thisis only the beginning of the assistance that will beavailable.

Begin by discussing the expected outcomes, allowing thevictim to explain his or her expectations as well.

"Before we finish this initial discussion, I want you to know:

• Your role in the investigation of the case,• What I'm going to do next,• Who to contact about the case,• Who to contact for other services,• How to minimize your risk and how others

can help you,• What to expect during the next few weeks."

"Before I leave, I would like to know:

• What happened (including the background of the incident),

• More about you,

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• More about the offender,• Steps you can take to be safer,• Who might be able to help you."

II. Understand the Incident

History is critical in domestic violence cases. Yourunderstanding of the current incident will depend on yourability to discover the context of the incident. Events thatappear insignificant could be part of a campaign ofintimidation and threats. For example, delivery of flowersor gifts may seem innocent, but to a domestic violencevictim hiding from an abusive partner, it becomes athreatening message that s/he now knows where s/helives.

Domestic violence laws are different in every jurisdiction.In most jurisdictions, much of what you do and say tooffenders and victims will be specified by local ordinanceand state statutes. Be sure to follow local policies andprocedures.

As you work with the victim, your goals are to:

• Discover the facts of the case,• Set realistic expectations,• Create a conversation that helps you learn the context

of the incident,• Develop a plan with the victim to reduce the risk of

repeat victimization.

While some of the following questions may be standard ina traditional investigation, they are included here so thatyou will understand how the questions can help in thedevelopment of a collaborative, problem solving approach.

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"Who was involved?"Find out what the victim knows about the offender. If theoffender is not at the scene, ask where he or she might be.Explain your organization' s arrest and charging policiesand, based on the nature of the incident, describe whatyou will need to know to make an arrest. Work with thevictim to collect information about the offender including:

• Where the offender lives.• Phone numbers where the offender might be reached.• Names and contact information for the offender's

friends and colleagues.• Places where the offender might be found.• Whether the offender might use a disguise and how he

or she might look.

If the offender is present, you might ask:

• "Does the offender have a criminal record?" • "Do you know who the parole/probation officer is?"• "Does the offender have any history of substance

abuse, access to firearms, a history of violence withother people or animals?"

Finding out about witnesses is important to theprosecution of the case and it may help you find peoplewho could help ensure the victim's future safety.

• "Did anyone else see what happened?"• "Does anyone else know something about what

happened?"

"What happened?"Find out the nature of the incident. How did the incidentstart? What did the offender do? You may want to use acognitive interviewing technique and ask the victim to startfrom the end of the incident and then work back to the

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beginning. This approach helps the victim focus on thesequence of events and can reveal important informationthat otherwise might not be recalled. Ask about thevictim's actions in a constructive way. Avoid passingjudgement.

"Has anything like this happened before?"This question initiates an effort to find out about thecontext of the incident. An incident of domestic violenceis often part of a larger pattern of abuse. Knowing thatviolent incidents have occurred before can help you andthe victim solve the immediate problem and develop aneffective safety plan.

Remember to ask if there is any evidence of the pastincidents. Important evidence includes:

• Documented injuries or property damage,• Police or medical reports,• Existing protective orders,• Witness accounts,• Photographs.

Proof of prior domestic violence may help the victimobtain an order of protection and could provideprosecutors with the evidence to build a stronger case.

"Please tell me anything else that you think isrelevant to this case."

This statement allows the victim to provide any additionalinformation that might help explain the context of theincident or reveal important facts that may have beenskipped earlier.

III. Develop a Safety Plan

Now that you have developed an understanding of theincident, it is time to plan for the future and take steps tomaximize the victim's safety. As you work through the

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planning process, record the action items on the CrimeIncident Action Form.

"Sometimes, once this has happened,it happens again."

Inform the victim that there is a very real chance thatmore violence will occur and that it is most likely tohappen within the next three months.

"What can be done to help you be safe?"While the simple answer is that the violence needs to stop,the behavior of the offender is not something that victimscan control. Instead the victim needs to concentrate onwhat he or she can control. Help the victim create a visionof safety and then work backwards to determine how thatvision can become reality.

Questions that will help you do this include:

• "What will help you feel safe tonight? Over the nextfew days?"

• "Is there somewhere else you can stay?"• "Are there things you can change in your environment

(home security, safety outdoors, safety at work) thatwould help you be safer?"

• "Who could help you be safe?"

Follow the victim's lead and, as part of the conversation,inform the victim about the services provided in yourjurisdiction. Be clear about what the police, and otheragencies, can actually do. Explore the benefits andshortcomings of protective orders. Explain what servicesare available to help the victim stay safe.

Explore how friends or family can help. For example:

• A domestic violence victim might benefit from acocoon watch – an agreement among neighbors towatch for and report suspicious activities.

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• Family or friends might be able to provide a place tostay, transportation, or financial assistance.

• Employers, co-workers, or childcare providers couldenhance their security procedures.

Victim advocates can be very helpful working out thedetails of an ongoing safety plan. Encourage them to seektheir assistance.

"There are things that you can do to assist theinvestigation."

Explain your arrest policies and, based on the nature ofthe incident, describe what the police need to know tomake an arrest. Highlight any missing information andencourage the victim to contact you (or the appropriateperson) with any information that might be recalled at alater time.

Important information for a domestic violence case includes:

• offender's name,• where offender might be found,• other identifying characteristics.

IV. Review and Record Information

In closing the interview, you should run through asummary of the action items agreed upon during theinterview. Use the First Response Checklist Card and theCrime Incident Action Form to ensure that everything hasbeen covered and all decisions and important informationhave been recorded. (Samples are included at the end ofthis guide.) Give a copy of the completed Crime IncidentAction Form to the victim, together with a "Last Step inFirst Response" card containing contact information.

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Case ExamplePolice respond to a 911 call from a woman reportingthat her boyfriend assaulted her. A police officerarrives at the private residence and is met at the doorby a young man who says that he and his girlfriendhad been arguing, but the matter is now resolved. Theofficer asks to come in. A young woman appears froma back bedroom, visibly upset as she soothes hercrying toddler. The officer notes broken glass on thefloor and an overturned chair. A second officer arrivesat the scene and removes the boyfriend to anotherroom for a separate interview.

I. SET EXPECTATIONS

The police officer speaking to the woman outlines thepurpose of the interview. He explains that he needsspecific information about her, the incident, herboyfriend, and any other relevant backgroundinformation. He informs her that, in addition todiscussing the basic facts of the incident, they will talkabout what she needs to be safe right now, what shecan expect to happen over the next several weeks withregard to the report, what her role is in theinvestigation and any charges that result. The officeralso tells her that information about people she cancontact for help and support will be provided by theend of the interview.

II. UNDERSTAND THE INCIDENT

The officer asks open-ended questions (instead ofquestions that can be answered "yes" or "no") aboutwho was involved and what happened. The womantells the officer that her boyfriend pushed her. She isvery upset and discussing the incident is difficult. Withadditional questions from the officer, she says herboyfriend was angry and cursing for much of theevening, shouting at her that it was her fault their childwas fussy and crying. After she finally got the child to

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sleep, her boyfriend "exploded." He threw a glass ather, which hit the wall instead, and then threw her tothe ground with both hands. He held her down andthreatened to kill her, then knocked over the chair ashe stormed out of the room. She does not have visibleinjuries. She says her arms are slightly sore where heheld her but she does not want medical attention.

Further questioning reveals that the boyfriend hasexhibited similar behavior in the past. The victimcalled police one other time when her boyfriendthreatened her and pulled the phone off the wall. Anofficer responded and wrote a report, but her boyfriendhad left the apartment and no charges were filed. Shesays that the boyfriend has threatened her and usedforce in the past, but that tonight's incident was worsethan his previous behavior.

III. SAFETY PLANNING

Having conferred with his fellow officer, the officer saysthat they will arrest the boyfriend and charge him withassault. He explains that the boyfriend will bearraigned in the morning and the victim can go to courtto talk to prosecutors and apply for a protective orderif she chooses. He also explains what a protectiveorder is and how it can be enforced.

The officer uses this opportunity to talk about safetyplanning. He tells her that he is concerned that theviolence has escalated. He assures her that the policeand victim services want to support her in developinga plan to keep her safe regardless of whether shechooses to separate from her boyfriend.

The victim is uncertain about a protective order, butwould like her boyfriend to stay away. She mentionsher concern that, although she would like to stay in thehouse alone, both her name and her boyfriend's nameare on the lease. The officer says that the boyfriendcan be legally ordered to stay away.

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The officer and victim then discuss other optionsbeginning with simple actions like calling a friend forimmediate support, and progressing to more complexefforts, like obtaining a protective order anddeveloping a long-term safety plan with a victimadvocate.

Here are the steps identified during the discussion:

VICTIM OPTIONS

• Call friend to come over for immediate support.• Obtain protective order and change locks.• Explore child custody/support.• Consider enlisting friends or neighbors to watch

for the boyfriend and report his presence to thepolice.

• Relocate to a temporary shelter or other safeplace.

• Inform supervisor so that employer can implementextra security measures and determine otherappropriate supportive actions.

• Notify child care provider in case the boyfriendappears at day care or attempts to take child.

POLICE (AND PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS) ACTIONS

• Arrest boyfriend.• Assist with the creation of a long-term safety plan.• Conduct a home security audit.• Assist with the filing of a protective order.

During this discussion, the officer makes a point ofdescribing the services available through the policedepartment's victim services unit, local victim serviceagency, and domestic violence program and shelter.In addition, the officer explains that a detective willcall the victim within the next day and will beavailable if the victim remembers anything new ordevelops bruises, which should be photographed. He

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says that someone from the victim services unit willalso call, and that the victim should call theprosecutor's victim/witness assistant and appear incourt for the arraignment if s/he chooses.

IV. REVIEW AND RECORD ACTION ITEMS

The interview ends with the officer using the CrimeIncident Action Form to summarize the results of theinterview, record action items, and provide contactinformation.

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!

!

!

!

In general, this case will proceed asfollows:Offender arrested. Report will be immediatelyforwarded to Domestic Violence Detective.Detective will follow up for more information.District Attorney will review appropriateness ofcharges and arraign defendant in the morningafter his arrest.

You can identify this case by:Date and location of incident and offender's nameand date of birth.

Services you can request include:Bail notification if the offender is held on bail.Protective order. Home security audit.

You can help the police by:Maintaining contact with detective and prosecutor'soffice.

Contacting detective if bruises appear or there areany other health-related developments.

Providing information about any efforts Mr. Smithmakes to contact you, or if he violates your orderof protection in any way.

Notifying detective and prosecutor if your contactinformation changes.

VictimName: Nancy ThompsonAddress: 3456 Treeshade DriveCity: Brighton State: MA Zip: 01111Phone: 617-555-8734

Crime Incident Action Form (Case Example)INCIDENT OVERVIEW

OffenderName: Alan SmithAddress: 3456 Treeshade DriveCity: Brighton State: MA Zip: 01111Phone: 617-555-8734Place of employment: Computer Graphics Corp.Vehicle: 1996 Nissan Pathfinder, grey, 2-door

HistoryArrests " yes " no " unknown If yes, list charges:Harassment, Warrant outstanding

Convictions "yes " no " unknown If yes, list sentences:

Restraining order/Order of protection "yes "no If yes, provide information:Will apply in a.m. at District Court.

Owns firearms "yes " no "unknownIncident summary:Offender threw glass at victim, pushed her to the floor, and held her down.

PROCESS OVERVIEW

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Within the next 24 hours, you will be contacted by:Police victim services specialist and domestic violence detective and District Attorney's Officevictim/witness coordinator.

IMPORTANT CONTACTS

Shelter for Battered Women - 555-0000 Police Department Domestic Violence Detective's Unit - 555-2200Police Department Victim Services Unit - 555-1114District Attorney's Victim/Witness Unity - 555-8800Nashua Street Jail - 555-1012

5-DAY SAFETY PLAN

Police Department Tasks

1. Arrest Alan Smith. 2. Put victim in contact with victim service professional.3. Conduct home security audit. 4. Provide copy of police report for victim to share with employer and landlord.

Victim Options

1. Obtain restraining order.2. Contact domestic violence advocate and create more detailed safety plan.3. Provide employer, day care provider, downstairs neighbor and office security personnel with

copy of restraining order.4. Contact friends/family for support.5. Consider options for temporary emergency shelter. Crime Incident Action Form (Domestic

Violence)

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Crime Incident Form (Domestic Violence)

INCIDENT OVERVIEW

OffenderName:Address:City: State: Zip: Phone:Place of employment:Vehicle:

HistoryArrests " yes " no " unknown If yes, list charges:


Restraining order/Order of protection "yes "no If yes, provide information:

Owns firearms "yes " no "unknownIncident summary:

PROCESS OVERVIEW


VictimName:Address:City: State: Zip:Phone:

In general, this case will proceed asfollows:

You can identify this case by:

Services you can request include:

You can help the police by:

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Within the next 24 hours, you will be contacted by:

IMPORTANT CONTACTS

5-DAY SAFETY PLAN


Victim Options

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First Response to Residential BurglaryPrepared by David R. Anderson and Susan Herman Residential Burglary

First Response

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53A Police Guide to First ResponseResidential Burglary

This guide is designed to complement protocols and policiesgoverning the response to residential burglary. It assumes thatthe first officer on the scene will assess a victim's physical andemotional safety.

I. Set Expectations

Setting expectations at the beginning of a first response iscritical. Be clear and realistic about what you and yourpolice organization can and cannot do. Explain any timeconstraints that may exist and let the victim know thatyour work is only the beginning of the assistance that willbe available.

Begin by discussing the expected outcomes, allowing thevictim to explain his or her expectations as well.

"Before I leave, I would like you to know:




• What happened (including the background of the incident),

• More about who you think could be responsible;• More about your neighborhood,• Steps you can take to be safer,• Who might be able to help you."

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Context is important in residential burglary cases. Learningabout the surrounding community will strengthen yourpreliminary investigation and help you understand whatmight be done to prevent repeat victimization. Are theretensions between different families or groups in theneighborhood? Are there other incidents of burglary orcrime problems, like drug dealing or street crimes, thathave occurred in the recent past? What does theneighborhood look like? Are the homes and buildings ingood repair? Are there wooded areas or other places thatcould provide a hiding place for burglars? Does the layoutof the neighborhood or the design of the housing stockmake the area more vulnerable to burglary? Involvevictims in your effort to understand the physicalcharacteristics of the incident.


• Discover the facts of the case.• Create a conversation that helps you understand the

context of the incident.• Develop a plan with the victim to reduce the risk of


"What happened?"Find out the nature of the incident. Was the victim awayfrom home for some period of time? How did the victimdiscover what had taken place? How might an intruderhave gained entry? What items are missing or out ofplace?

"Who might have knowledge about your routine?" "Is there anyone who has access to your home?" "Is there anyone who is familiar with your home andpossessions who might have done this?" "Is there anyone who might have seen what happened?"

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"Has this happened to you before?"Explain the particular information you need to solve thecase. Tell the victim that the information they provide willbe vital to the effort to catch the perpetrator. Your goal isto help the victim think broadly about acquaintances (evenfamily members) who might be involved in the crime orhave information about what happened. Explain that mostburglaries are committed by people known to the victimand it is important to explore the possibility that thevictim knows who the offender might be. In addition, findout if a neighbor may have been a witness or knowssomething about the incident. Not only could neighborsserve as witnesses, they may be able to help prevent arepeat burglary and protect other homes in theneighborhood.

"Has anything like this happened before, to youor someone you know?"

This question initiates an effort to learn more about thecontext of the incident. Residential burglary is oftenrepeated in neighborhoods. Knowing that others nearbyhave been burglarized can help investigators, the victim,and possibly the surrounding neighborhood in developingan effective, community-wide strategy to prevent burglary.

III. Safety Planning

Now that you and the victim have analyzed the incident, itis time to plan for the future and take some steps tomaximize the victim's safety and try to preventrevictimization. Explain that being burglarized onceindicates a greater risk for future burglaries, especiallyduring the next three months. While it impossible to sayhow much greater that risk is, there are ways to reduce it.

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"Sometimes once this has happened,it happens again."

Inform the victim that there is a chance that anotherburglary will occur and that it is most likely to happenwithin the next three months.

"Do you have any ideas about what could bedone to prevent this from happening again?"

Use the facts of the case to help the victim improve thehome's immediate security. Observe any securityweaknesses and provide general advice about what thevictim could do to get more information and assistance.

Follow the victim's lead. As part of the conversation,inform the victim about the services available in yourjurisdiction, such as a home safety inspections or low-costsecurity equipment. This is also the time to explain whatthe police, and other agencies, can and cannot do. Makesure to tell the victim how long (hours, days, etc.) it willtake for other services to respond. Record this informationin the Incident Action Form.

"Who could help you be safe?"Explore ideas about how friends or family might be ableto help. For example, a burglary victim might benefit froma cocoon watch–an agreement among neighbors to watchfor and report suspicious activities. Talk with the victimabout existing neighborhood groups (neighborhood watch,community development corporations) that could help. Ifnearby homes have been burglarized recently, explain howthe victim might work with other community members toreduce the entire neighborhood's risk of burglary.

"There are things that you can do to assist the investigation."

Explain your arrest policies and, based on the nature ofthe incident, describe what the police will need to know to

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make an arrest. Highlight any missing information andencourage the victim to contact you (or the appropriateperson) with any information that might be recalled at alater time.

Important information for a burglary investigation includes:

• possible suspects, including description and otherinformation,

• list of objects stolen,• how the burglar gained entry,• other incidents of burglary or any other suspicious

activity in the neighborhood.


In closing the interview, run through a summary of theagreed action items. Use the First Response Checklist Cardand the Crime Incident Action Form to ensure that everythinghas been covered and all decisions and importantinformation have been recorded. Complete the CrimeIncident Action Form and give a copy to the victim, togetherwith a "Last Step in First Response" card with contactinformation.

A sample Crime Incident Action Form is included withthis guide. You can adapt it to fit the needs of yourorganization."Last Step in First Response" cards can beordered through The National Center for Victims ofCrime website at www.ncvc.org

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Case ExampleA 911 caller reports a burglary. A police officer arrives ata detached, single-family home. The victims, a middle-aged couple named Mr. and Mrs. Jones, report that theyarrived home to find their house had been broken intoand that money and personal items had been stolen.

I. SET EXPECTATIONS

The police officer outlines the purpose of the interview.She explains that she needs specific information aboutMr. and Mrs. Jones, the incident, possible witnesses,and other relevant background information. In addition todiscussing the basic facts of the incident, she informsMr. and Mrs. Jones that they will talk about what theycan do to protect their home right now, what they canexpect to happen over the next several weeks, and whattheir role is in the investigation, and any charges thatmay result. The officer also outlines what information thepolice will need to solve the case.

II. UNDERSTAND THE INCIDENT

The officer poses open-ended questions about whathappened. Mr. and Mrs. Jones returned home after anevening out. They entered through the front door andfound their rooms in disarray. They left immediately andcalled police from a neighbor's house. The neighboraccompanied them back home, where they discoveredthe back door lock had been broken. Jewelry and cashwere missing from an upstairs bureau. They have nothad time to ascertain what other items might be missing.

The neighbor lives in fairly close proximity and did nothear or see any suspicious activity, but he and his familyhad only arrived home about an hour before Mr. andMrs. Jones. The neighbor reports that he has heardreports of another break-in down the street. Mr. and Mrs. Jones live in a middle-class neighborhood,


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on a dimly lit cul-de-sac with little pedestrian or vehiculartraffic. Their unfenced backyard borders on undevelopedland. Some neighbors have lived on the street for yearswhile others are relatively new to the neighborhood.Except for the other burglary down the street, Mr. andMrs. Jones and the witness have not heard about othercrime problems in the neighborhood.

III. SAFETY PLANNING

Mr. and Mrs. Jones are concerned about the broken lockand will call a locksmith to replace it immediately with amore secure lock. The police officer explains that thereis a greater risk of another burglary within the next threemonths and uses this opportunity to talk about somespecific steps the victims and their neighbors can take toimprove the security around their homes.

The officer then discusses other steps beginning withsimple actions.

Victim Options

• Replace/upgrade door locks.• Engrave valuables.• Increase outside lighting.• Have local municipality cut back overgrown trees to

increase backyard visibility.• Improve backyard security with a fence.• Install a home security system or get a dog.• Enlist neighbors to watch for suspicious activity.• Contact local victims oganization.

Police (and partner organizations) Actions

• Provide engraving tool to area homeowners.• Conduct a home security audit of the Jones' home.• Help to organize a community safety meeting.• Interview witnesses in neighborhood.• Look for stolen items in area pawn shops.• Compare the incident to other known incidents.• Arrest offender.

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During this discussion, the officer makes a point ofdescribing the services available through theDepartment's victim services unit. In addition, the officertalks about how local Neighborhood Watch Network(NWN) can help the Mr. and Mrs. Jones and otherneighbors reduce the risk of burglary throughout theneighborhood. For example, the Joneses might workwith the NWN to create a "cocoon watch" - anagreement among neighbors to watch for and reportsuspicious activities during the two months of high riskfollowing the burglary. Neighbors would be asked tomake a special effort to be on the lookout for specifickinds of behavior and report it promptly.

The officer also explains that a detective will call on thevictims for additional information. The victims learn thatthey will be notified by the detective if any articlessurface resembling the stolen items. The officer explainsthe time frame and process for returning any recovereditems and that the prosecutor's office will notify thevictims if an arrest is made.

The officer explains how the family can get a copy of theburglary report for insurance purposes and providesthem with a brochure that describes the process. Thevictims provide the officer with a photo of one of themissing items. Victims will also need photos forinsurance purposes. The victims will contact thedetective unit with descriptions of any other itemsdetermined to be missing.

IV. REVIEW AND RECORD INFORMATION

The interview ends with the officer completing the CrimeIncident Action Form to summarize the results of theinterview and record action items, and giving the victim aLast Step in First Response card containing the contactinformation .

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61A Police Guide to First ResponseDomestic Violence, Residential Burglary and Automobile Theft

VictimName: Jim JonesName:Address: 21 Apple Ct.City: Aurora State: IL Zip: 01111Phone: 708-555-8787

Report will be immediately assigned toDetective Unit. Detective will follow up tocollect more information.

You can identify this case by:Date and location of incident.

Within the next 24 hours, you will becontacted by:Police victim services specialist and detective.(If a suspect is arrested, you will also becontacted within 24 hours by the DistrictAttorney's Office victim/witness coordinator.)

Services you can request include:Home security audit.

You can help the police by:Providing any additional information aboutpossible suspects and descriptions or photosof missing items.Notifying detective if your contact informationchanges.

Case Example Crime Incident Action Form (Residential Burglary)INCIDENT OVERVIEW

OffenderName: UnknownWitnessName: Terrance DavisAddress: 17 Apple CourtCity: Aurora State: IL Zip: 01111Phone: 708-555-7331

Incident SummaryVictims arrived home to find had been burglarized between 5:30 and 9:20 pm. Cash,

jewelry, possibly other items stolen. Victims and neighbor discovered damaged rear lock.

PROCESS OVERVIEWIn general, this case will proceed as follows:

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IMPORTANT CONTACTSNeighborhood Watch Network - 555-0000Police Department Burglary Response Detective's Unit - 555-2200Police Department Victim Services Unit - 555-1114District Attorney's Victim/Witness Unity - 555-8800

PERSONAL 5-DAY SAFETY PLAN


1. Forward report to Crime Prevention Unit and have CPU contact the victim to conducta home security assessment.

2. Assign detective to follow up with victim.3. See that victim services professional contacts victim

Victim Options

4. Arrange for replacement/upgrade of door locks. 5. Work with Crime Prevention Unit on a home security assessment to determine

additional steps.6. Share information with neighbors and discuss possibilities for organized neighborhood

watch, including a cocoon watch.

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VictimName:Name:Address:City: State: Zip:Phone:

.




Crime Incident Action Form (Residential Burglary)INCIDENT OVERVIEW

OffenderName:WitnessName: Address:City: State: Zip: Phone:

Incident Summary


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IMPORTANT CONTACTS

PERSONAL 5-DAY SAFETY PLAN


Victim Options

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First Response to Automobile Theftby David R. Anderson and Susan Herman

Automobile TheftFirst Response

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67A Police Guide to First ResponseAutomobile Theft

This guide is designed to complement protocols and policiesgoverning the response to automobile theft.

I. Set Expectations

Setting expectations at the beginning of a first response iscritical. Be clear and realistic about what you and yourorganization can and cannot do. Explain any timeconstraints that may exist and let the victim know that yourwork is only the beginning of the assistance that will beavailable.

Begin by discussing the expected outcomes of theinterview, allowing the victim to explain his or herexpectations as well.

"Before I leave, I would like you to know:




• What happened (including the circumstances of the incident),

• More about you,• More about who might be responsible,• More about the location of the incident."


What you learn about the context of the crime will informyour investigation. If the theft occurred in an area familiar

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to the victim, does the victim know of a history of similarcrimes in the area? Are there other incidents of vehicletheft or crime problems (drug dealing, robbery, theft fromvehicles) that have occurred in the area? Does the layoutof the neighborhood or the design of the housing stockmake vehicles more vulnerable to theft? (For example,apartment complexes with large parking lots areparticularly vulnerable.) Involve the victim and, if possible,other community members in your effort to understandthe physical characteristics of the incident.


• Discover the facts of the case.• Create a conversation that helps you understand the

context of the incident.• Develop a plan with the victim to reduce the risk of


"What happened?"Find out the nature of the incident. How did the victimdiscover the theft? Had the victim been away from the carfor some period of time? Is the victim a visitor to the areaand, if so, did the car have rental or out-of-state plates? Isparking in this area part of the victim's usual routine?How might a thief have gained entry to the vehicle? Wasthe vehicle locked? Is there any evidence that the vehicle'swindow was broken? Was there a parking attendantnearby? Is the parking spot well-lit and visible to passersby? Would a thief have had to overcome any securitymeasures like a fence or a locked door?

Explain the particular information you need to solve thecase. Tell the victim that the information they provide willbe vital to the effort to catch the perpetrator and toprevent future vehicle thefts in the area.

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"Has anything like this happened before, to you orsomeone you know?"This question initiates an effort to find out more about thecontext of the incident. Auto theft is often a chronicproblem in places like parking lots, garages, andneighborhoods with a lot of on-street parking. Knowingthat others nearby have had their cars stolen can aidinvestigators, the victim, and possibly the surroundingneighborhood in developing an effective community-widestrategy to address vehicle theft.

III. Problem Solving

Now that you and the victim have reviewed the facts andcontext of the theft, spend some time focusing on theproblems that arise with the loss of transportation.

Explain how your organization handles auto theft. Goover any paperwork that you and the victim must completeand make sure the victim understands what will be neededfor insurance records.

Explain what happens if the vehicle is found, includingprocedures for how the vehicle would be returned. Tell thevictim about any storage and towing fees that could beassessed.

"Will you be able to get transportation to whereveryou were going next?"Help the victim find public transportation, taxi servicesand/or the nearest telephone so that he or she can maketravel arrangements.

"This incident indicates that you and other peoplewho park in this lot have a greater risk of futurethefts. Do you have any ideas about how you might beable to reduce your risk of automobile theft in thefuture?"

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Use the facts of the case to help the victim prevent vehicletheft in the future. Explain that there is a risk of futurevehicle theft if prevention steps are not taken. Note anysecurity weaknesses of the car or the location where it wasparked, based on the information you have collected.Then, provide advice about what the victim could do andwhere he/she can turn for more information. Take care tooffer advice in a constructive fashion.

For example, mechanical devices like an ignition interlockor a steering wheel locking bar could prevent anothertheft. Parking in a more secure area such as a ga lockedgarage or enclosed lot might reduce risk. Working withother vehicle owners to increase security could helpprevent auto theft throughout the community. Talk withthe victim about existing neighborhood groups (policecrime prevention units, neighborhood watch, parking lotoperators) that could help.

"There are things that you can do to assist theinvestigation."Explain your arrest policies and, based on the nature ofthe incident, describe what the police will need to know tomake an arrest. Highlight any missing information andencourage the victim to contact you (or the appropriateperson) with any information that might be recalled at alater time.

Important information for an automobile theft investigationincludes:

• Possible suspects, including description and otherinformation;

• Information about the vehicle, including the VINnumber and license plate;

• How the burglar gained entry.

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Tell the victim about any services available in yourjurisdiction.

If applicable, inform the victim about programs thatmight help with short-term transit needs or assistance withinsurance procedures. Work with the victim to identifylocal organizations that might be able to help if there is achronic problem with car theft in the area.


In closing the interview, run through a summary of theaction items and information exchanged during theinterview, using the First Response Checklist Card and theCrime Incident Action Form should be used to ensure thateverything has been covered and that all decisions andimportant information have been recorded. Fill out theform and give a copy to the victim. Samples of the FirstResponse Checklist Card and Crime Incident Action Formare included with this guide.

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Case ExampleA 911 call is placed reporting an auto theft. The victimstates that his car was stolen from a public parking lotnear his workplace. A police officer responds to take thereport.

I. Set Expectations

Upon meeting the victim, the police officer outlines thepurpose of the interview, explaining that she needsspecific information about the victim, the incident,possible witnesses, and relevant backgroundinformation. In addition to discussing the basic facts ofthe incident, she informs the victim that they will talkabout what the victim can expect to happen over thenext several weeks, what his role is in the investigation,and what steps the victim could take to protect himselffrom revictimization.


The officer poses open-ended questions about whathappened. The victim discovered his car was missing atthe end of the workday. He had parked the beige, 1993Toyota Camry in his usual spot in part of the lot behindthe building, shielded from the street and the sidewalk.Because he arrives very early, the parking lot isrelatively empty and free of activity at that time. Whenhe left work, he found another car parked in the spotwhere he had left his car.

The victim reports that the lot generally fills up each daywith people who work in his and the neighboringbuildings. He has not heard any reports of other carthefts, though one colleague reported his car had beenbroken into in recent weeks. There is a parking lotattendant.

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This is the victim's first experience with vehicle theft. Thecar doors were locked but the car was not equipped withany additional security devices.

III. Solve Problems

The officer explains the procedures for auto theft andwalks the victim through the paper work, making surethat the victim retains copies of paperwork that will berequired for insurance reports. She also explains that thecar could be recovered and, if it is, it will be stored in thecity's impoundment lot and the victim will be contactedby the manager of the lot.

Having dealt with the victim's immediate concerns, theofficer explains that certain locations can becometargeted by car thieves, leaving those who park therevulnerable to revictimization. She mentions theadvantages of parking in well-lit areas, with a lot ofpedestrian traffic. In addition, she advises him that heshould try to park within sight of the attendant's office.She tells him that some insurance companies offerreduced rates to customers who equip their vehicles withsecurity devices and gives the victim a brochure aboutanti-theft devices.

The officer describes the Crime Prevention Unit (CPU),which can advise the victim on security measures thatmay protect him from such crimes in the future. Inaddition, the officer tells the victim that, with his help, theCPU could also work with the parking lot owners and thebusinesses in the building to devise more effectivesecurity measures. For example, the CPU could workwith workers in the building to organize a program toinstall anti-theft devices and report any suspiciousactivity. The officer also tells the victim that he cancontact the Victim Services Unit with other questions orproblems related to the case.

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During their discussion, the officer and the victim identifythe following action steps:

Victim Options

• Report the crime to insurance company.• Provide police with VIN number.• Report crime to parking lot administrator.• Notify employer and fellow employees who park in

the area and encourage them to report suspiciousactivity.

• Research safety devices and alternate parkingarrangements for the future.

Police (and partner organizations) Actions

• Compare the incident to other known incidents.• Look for stolen vehicle.• Request that the Crime Prevention Unit contact the

victim and the parking lot ownership to offer helpprevent future thefts.

• Interview the parking lot attendant.• Arrest offender.

Review/Define Action Items

The First Response Checklist Card and the Crime IncidentAction Form should be used to ensure that everything hasbeen covered and all decisions and important informationhave been recorded. A sample Crime Incident Action Formis included with this guide. You can adapt it to fit the needsof your organization.

The interview should end with the officer using the CrimeIncident Action Form to summarize the results of theinterview and record action items and giving the victim the"Last Step in First Response" card with contact information.Last Step in First Response Cards can be ordered throughThe National Center for Victims of Crime website,www.ncvc.org


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Report will be processed by PropertyCrimes Unit. Victim will contact Unit withVIN number.

You can identify this case by:Date and location of incident.

Services you can request include:Crime prevention information from theCrime Prevention Unit.


Tell the police about any suspicious activity inand around the parking lot. Providing any additional information,descriptions or photos of missing vehicle.Notifying police if your contact informationchanges.


VictimName: John LewisAddress: 233 Cypress StreetCity: Fairfax State: VA Zip: 22114Phone: 703-555-8331

Case Example Crime Incident Action Form (Residential Burglary)INCIDENT OVERVIEW

OffenderName: UnknownAddress:City: State: Zip:Phone:

Incident LocationEZ Park, 1 Main Street, Fairfax, VA 22114

Incident SummaryVictim parked car in back right corner of lot at approximately 7:20 a.m. Returned at 5:10

p.m. to discover car had been taken.


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IMPORTANT CONTACTSPolice Department Property Crimes Unit - 555-0000Police Department Crime Prevention Unit - 555-2200Police Department Victim Services Unit - 555-1114Police Department Vehicle Impoundment Lot - 555-5678Local Victim Services Agency - 555- 7512

THEFT PROBLEM SOLVING PLAN


1. Compare the incident to other known incidents.2. Request that the Crime Prevention Unit contact the victim and the parking lot ownership

to offer help with preventing future thefts.

Victim Options

1. Research safety devices and alternate parking arrangements.2. Contact Crime Prevention Unit.3. Notify parking lot administrator, employer and fellow employees of the crime.

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VictimName: Address:City: State: Zip: Phone:

Crime Incident Action Form (Automobile Theft)INCIDENT OVERVIEW

OffenderName:Address:City: State: Zip:Phone:

Incident Location

Incident Summary


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IMPORTANT CONTACTS

THEFT PROBLEM SOLVING PLAN


Victim Options

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79Endnotes

Endnotes

1. Pease, Ken. 1998. "Repeat Victimisation: Taking Stock."Crime Detection and Prevention Series paper 90, HomeOffice Police Research Group. Available for download athttp://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/prgpubs/fcdps90.pdf.

2. Ibid.

3. Mayhew, Pat and Jan van Dijk.1997. "Criminal victimizationin eleven industrialized countries: key findings from the 1996International Crime Victims Survey." Onderzoek en Belied,#162.

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81Additonal Resources

Additional Resources

Pioneering work undertaken by the British Home Office Policingand Reducing Crime Unit (PRCU) informed this project anduseful reports can be found on their website athttp://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/prgpubs.htm. Other informationcan be obtained by contacting the Home Office, Policing andReducing Crime Unit.Address: Clive House, Petty France, London,SW1H 9HD, U.K.Telephone: 44 207 271 8225 / 8568 / 8341Fax: 011 44 207 271 8344email: [email protected]

For an excellent review of repeat victimization trends:

Bridgeman, Cressida and Hobbs, Louise.1998. "PreventingRepeat Victimization: The Police Officer's Guide." Availablefrom the Home Office by mail or fax.

For additional information about the Huddersfield project:

Anderson, David, Chenery, Sylvia and Pease, Ken. 1995."BitingBack: Tackling Repeat Burglary and Car Crime." Available fordownload athttp://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/prgpubs/cdp58bf.pdf.

Anderson, David, Chenery, Sylvia and Pease, Ken. 1997. "BitingBack II: Reducing Repeat Victimisation in Huddersfield."Available for download athttp://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/prgpubs/fcdps82.pdf.

For additional information about the Killingbeck project:

"Arresting Evidence: Domestic Violence and RepeatVictimisation" by Jalna Hanmer, Sue Griffiths and DavidJerwood. 1999.http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/prgpubs/fprs104.pdf

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A technique called "cognitive interviewing" has provento be very effective. Here are a few resources:

"Interviewing Victims and Witnesses of Crime" by R. EdwardGeiselman and Ronald P. Fisher, National Institute of Justice,Research in Brief, December 1985.

"New Approach to Interviewing Children: A Test of ItsEffectiveness," National Institute of Justice, Research in Brief,May 1992.

For a fascinating guide to domestic violence riskassessment and safety planning, see:

"A Guide to Domestic Violence Risk Assessment, RiskReduction and Safety Plan," Metro Nashville PoliceDepartment,http://www.nashville.net/~police/abuse/stalking.htm, 2000.

To learn more about the investigative process, includingthe role of patrol officers, investigators and victims, see:

The Criminal Investigation Process, Rand Corporation,Technical Report R-1776-DOJ, R-1777-DOJ, Santa Monica,California, 1975.

Solving Crimes: The Investigation of Burglary and Robberyby John Eck, Police Executive Research Forum, 1983, 1992.

For an overview of the current trends in police responseto victims, see:

First Response to Victims of Crime, Office for Victims ofCrime, 2000.

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83Additonal Resources

Law Enforcement's Promising Practices in the Treatment ofCrime Victims, Office for Victims of Crime, 1997.

To find out how victim satisfaction is affected by policeresponse, see:

"Victim Assessment of the Police Response to Burglary: TheRelative Effects on Incident, Police Action, Outcome andDemographic Variables on Citizen Satisfaction" by DavidHirschel, Richard Lumb, and Russell Johnson, PoliceQuarterly, Vol. 1, No. 4, 1998.

"The Efficacy of Expectancy: Disconfirmation in ExplainingCrime Victim Satisfaction with the Police" by MeghanStroshine Chandek and Christopher O.L.H. Porter, PoliceQuarterly, Vol. 1, No. 4, 1998.

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Crime Incident Form (Domestic Violence)

INCIDENT OVERVIEW






PROCESS OVERVIEW






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IMPORTANT CONTACTS

5-DAY SAFETY PLAN


Victim Options

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First Response Checklist Card (Domestic Violence)Police should know:__ What happened.__ Victim information.__ Offender information.__ Safety plan.



__ Possible ways to prevent another incident.__ How to aid the investigation and deterrence.__ Where to get help.__ 5-Day Safety Plan.

__ Complete Crime Incident Action Form.

Set Expectations


Safety Planning


Police should know:__ What happened.__ Victim information.__ Offender information.__ Safety plan.





Set Expectations


Safety Planning


First Response Checklist Card (Domestic Violence)

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Crime Incident Form (Residential Burglary)

INCIDENT OVERVIEW






PROCESS OVERVIEW






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IMPORTANT CONTACTS

5-DAY SAFETY PLAN


Victim Options

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First Response Checklist Card (Residential Burglary)Police should know:__ What happened.__ Victim information.__ Offender information.__ Safety plan.





Set Expectations


Safety Planning







Set Expectations


Safety Planning


First Response Checklist Card (Residential Burglary)

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Crime Incident Form (Automobile Theft)

INCIDENT OVERVIEW






PROCESS OVERVIEW






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IMPORTANT CONTACTS

5-DAY SAFETY PLAN


Victim Options

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First Response Checklist Card (Automobile Theft)Police should know:__ What happened.__ Victim information.__ Offender information.__ Safety plan.





Set Expectations


Safety Planning







Set Expectations


Safety Planning


First Response Checklist Card (Automobile Theft)

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FOR MORE INFORMATION:

U.S. Department of JusticeOffice of Community Oriented Policing Services

1100 Vermont Avenue, NWWashington, D.C. 20530

To obtain details on COPS programs, call theU.S. Department of Justice Response Center at 1.800.421.6770

Visit the COPS internet web site at the address listed below.

e03021477 Updated Date: September 17, 2002

www.cops.usdoj.gov

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bringing victims into community policing...to law enforcement agencies to advance community...

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