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  Crime Prevention   Violence   Crime Victims Specialists

Crime Prevention:
Crime Victims Specialists Program

Pamphlets

Download the printable pamphlet

Assists victims and their families by providing:

Crisis Intervention:

• Provides support for the victim and family at the initial stages of a case.
• Provides vital information to victim and family.
• Assistance with death notifications - may accompany a uniformed patrol.
• Acts as a resource for members of the New York State Police in the Field.

Short Term Counseling:

• Maintains regular and frequent contact with the victim and any secondary victims, such as children, during all phases of the case.
• This may involve making numerous home or hospital visits.

Safety Planning:

• Confers with victim and children to devise a safety plan.
• Advises the victim of available services which notify of the offender’s release from a correctional facility.
• Works with the District Attorney’s Office to provide personal safety devices such as personal alarms and cellular phones.

Criminal Court Procedure Information:

• Explains the process to the victim/Informs victim regarding his/her rights. Acts as an advocate for the victim.
• Supports the victim throughout all stages of the criminal justice process.
• Accompanies the victim to meetings with District Attorney staff during preparation of testimony and while testifying in court. Provides information to the victim on the status of the case and advises of upcoming court appearances.
• Assists the victim in providing input and collaboration with the DA’s Office in the plea bargaining process.
• Assists the victim with the Victim’s Impact Statement.
• Assists in obtaining the release of vital personal property of the victim.

Compensation:

• Assists the victim with the compensation claim paperwork and files the claim with the NY State Crime Victims Board to reimburse the victim for hospital, medical, out-of-pocket expenses, and other expenses incurred as a result of the crime.

Referrals:

• Stays informed about locally available resources and local initiatives to reduce victimization and improve services to victims.
• Refers the victim to long term counseling or any other available services that may be of aid.
• Works in conjunction with community domestic violence and rape crisis programs, CPS, Adult Protective Services, and other local agencies to enhance and coordinate the services available to victims.

Resource :

• The CVS has a degree in a human services field and extensive past experience in assisting the victims of violent crime.
• Acts as a liaison between the New York State Police and other agencies with the goal of providing the best service to victims.
• Acts as a resource for police on the issues and needs of victims.

Crime Victims Specialists

Information on the NYSP website is presented as a community service. Reproductions of information or images taken from the NYSP website must be used for the sole purpose of supplying information as a non-reimbursable, community service. The rules and regulations of the State Police are contained in Title 9 (Executive Department), Subtitle K of the state compilation and can be accessed through the Department of State website. If you are unable to download a PDF document on this site, you may request a copy by e-mailing the Planning and Research Section. Please state which document you would like and supply your name, address and phone number.

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