The IACP, in partnership with the Police Foundation and the National Center for Victims of Crime, is proud to present resources around “Law Enforcement’s Role in Supporting Crime Victims’ Access to Compensation.” These resources provide a variety of materials for law enforcement agencies to use to enhance law enforcement’s role in providing necessary information around crime victim compensation to crime victims.

A first responder is not expected to know the ways that trauma or crime will impact a victim—but he or she can help by being a source of information and a resource for crime victim compensation. Newly published IACP resources give law enforcement the tools to help victims each step of the way, from speaking to a victim and leaving them with important information, to tips for writing reports to include key victim compensation information, to general promotion of the state’s crime victim compensation program. Some of these resources can be personalized for an agency and can be printed and carried by officers to easily pass information to the victim.

Since the first individuals on the scene of a crime are traditionally first responders and law enforcement, they are the first to show compassion and offer help. Share these materials to broaden understanding of crime victim compensation and the role of law enforcement in helping victims apply for and receive it after victimization.

Visit the IACP website to access these materials, including:

• Training videos for first responders, investigators, and law enforcement leadership with companion guides
• A list of frequently asked questions about victim compensation
• A palmcard with information on victim compensation that can be customized to your jurisdiction
• A tip card on important elements of writing a report that can help a victim be approved for compensation
• And more resources.