Victim Assistance Training

In recent years, local governments have become aware of a need to be more responsive to crime victims. ILJ has developed the following training materials to increase the awareness of law enforcement agencies in the area of victim needs and to provide practical suggestions for improving victims' experiences with the criminal justice system.

• "Training Key" for the International Association of Chiefs of Police. ILJ prepared Police Victim Assistance for distribution to police officers nationwide as part of the IACP's "Training Key" series. It provides specific suggestions to patrol officers on meeting victims' needs, includes background information on victims' crisis reactions, and discusses federal and state resources for victim assistance.
• Victim Assistance Training Manual for the National Sheriffs' Association. ILJ created a comprehensive Victim Assistance Program Guide and Training Manual for NSA. The manual is designed to help law enforcement practitioners involve community crime prevention groups such as Neighborhood Watch in assisting crime victims. The publication explains basic victim needs and expectations, presents crisis intervention techniques, explains how to assess community needs and resources, and includes a step-by-step training session that law enforcement officers can use with community crime prevention groups.