Victims and the Police
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Victims and the Police
The video focuses on the evolution of law enforcement’s approach to crime victims, highlighting the centrality of establishing rapport with victims and placing their needs at the forefront of the justice system. It stresses that shift from concentrating on arresting the perpetrators to a victim-centered approach, where victims are treated as allies in the fight for justice. The transcript emphasizes that the victims’ needs should be understood and fulfilled. They range from security and empowerment to communication and support.
To determine whether this approach is followed by law enforcement agencies nowadays, it is crucial to note the achievements in victim support and the adoption of victim-centered practices in many jurisdictions. Despite the significant progress made in terms of victim services and training of law enforcement officers, the implementation of these initiatives may differ across agencies and regions due to factors like resource constraints or organizational culture. As such, while great improvements have been made, it may not be enough to guarantee adherence to these principles throughout the country.
The video discusses the victims’ seven critical needs: safety, support, information, justice, empowerment, respect, and healing. Although these needs are pressing, other factors might comprehensively affect the victim support system (Comprehensive Victims of Crime, 2018). For example, culturally sensitive services and specialized support for marginalized or vulnerable individuals could be the key additions to the list. Furthermore, long-term guidance to navigate the criminal justice system and ongoing emotional support beyond immediate crisis intervention might also be required by some victims.
The answer is yes to whether this video should be included in the training curriculum for all new hires and become a national best practice. It is important to have complete training on victim-centered approaches and to implement consistent protocols for victim support so that all law enforcement officers have the necessary skills and understanding to serve victims effectively. Through standardizing procedures and promoting best practices at the national level, law enforcement agencies can demonstrate their dedication to victims’ needs and adherence to principles of fairness and justice for all individuals regardless of their situation.
References
Office for Victims of Crime. (2018). Service, Support & Justice: Law Enforcement Response to Crime Victims [YouTube Video]. In YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sdKMoef_G3c