Core Elements and Challenges

Tools for Success

To begin operation and institutionalization of their victim services programs, law enforcement agencies at the sites used the following:

• Written materials in multiple languages.
• Publicity tools, such as  public service announcements and paid advertisements for print, radio, Internet, television, and billboards; promotional items; regular newspaper columns; and Web sites.
• Memorandums of understanding among agencies.
• Policies and operational procedures for officers and victim services staff.
• Procedures to encourage officers to comply with policy changes, such as requiring them to document on the incident report that they gave the victim a victims' rights brochure.
• Databases for tracking the victim services provided and other case information.
• Needs assessment and evaluation methods and tools.