Law enforcement agencies can contribute to field advancement by helping document successes and challenges for victim-centered, trauma-informed approaches. IACP and RTI will jointly conduct comprehensive case studies through virtual interviews and review of supporting material for agency practices. These case studies will include information about:

• Victims’ rights education and implementation 
• Victim-centered, trauma-informed response across all ranks and disciplines 
• Challenges to implementing law enforcement-based victim services
• Funding support for victim-centered, trauma-informed approaches

For identified law enforcement agencies with agency-based victim services personnel, the case studies will include additional information about:

• Advocacy parameters 
• Documentation practices
• Partnerships 
• Agency incorporation of victim services personnel

Participating agencies receive site-specific recommendations developed by subject matter experts aimed at enhancing and sustaining victim-centered, trauma-informed approaches. Three agencies demonstrating effective incorporation of practices across all ranks and disciplines will receive on-site visits for enhanced data collection and targeted technical assistance.

Participating agencies include:

Identifying and Incorporating Core Principles of Victim-Centered and Trauma-Informed Response

This resource is designed to provide a streamlined set of emerging practices from the field for first responders, investigators, evidence collection teams, supervisors, and agencies related to victim response efforts.

Agency Self-Assessment Tool for Law Enforcement Victim Support

This resource is designed to assist law enforcement agencies in the self-guided review of practices related to victim response - specifically the integration of victim-centered, trauma-informed practices into the overall operating philosophy and culture of the agency.

Identifying and Securing Funding for Victim Response Efforts

This resource is designed to help law enforcement agencies and their partners identify and secure appropriate funding to support multilayered strategies to meet crime victims' individual needs and strengthen victim response.

Enhancing Law Enforcement Response to Victims (ELERV)

The Enhancing Law Enforcement Response to Victims (ELERV) Strategy introduces federal, state, local, campus, and tribal law enforcement leaders to the concepts and benefits of enhancing their response to victims of all crimes. It also illustrates how every person in a law enforcement agency has a role in effective victim response. Due to the customizable nature of the ELERV Strategy, agencies can easily start small and build on their efforts over time.

Law Enforcement-Based Victim Services (LEV)

The IACP is proud to serve as the training and technical assistance provider for the Law Enforcement-Based Victim Services and Technical Assistance Program (LEV Program). Sponsored by the Office for Victims of Crime, this project seeks to establish or enhance victim services programs in criminal justice agencies in order to couple law enforcement-based services with community-based program partnerships to serve the broader needs and rights of all crime victims.

Law Enforcement’s Role in Victim Compensation

Law enforcement officers, often the first and possibly the only professionals to speak to victims following a crime, are a vital component in providing justice, information, and services to crime victims. Law enforcement provides a critical connection between the justice system and victim support services, ensuring that victims know about all available resources. IACP has created resources which include training videos for first responders, investigators, and executive leadership; companion guides to accompany each video and guide discussions; tip cards for law enforcement; and more.

Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI)

The IACP is proud to serve as a partner to RTI International on the National Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI). This initiative is funded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance and is aimed at supporting the jurisdictional reform of approaches to sexual assault cases resulting from evidence found in previously unsubmitted sexual assault kits (SAKs). As a project partner, the IACP lends an important voice towards identifying and developing practices, procedures, and training to enhance victim-centered approaches to sexual assault.

Trauma Informed Sexual Assault Investigation Training 

The Trauma Informed Sexual Assault Investigation Training provides law enforcement and multi-disciplinary community partners with information on the neurobiology of trauma and investigative strategies to respond to sexual assault crimes in a victim centered, trauma informed manner.

Vicarious Trauma Response Initiative (VTRI)

Individuals responsible for responding to and addressing the needs of crime victims in various professional capacities are impacted by both single incident and chronic trauma exposure. Through interdisciplinary, cross-agency community collaborations, the VTRI initiative seeks to ensure that all such providers and organizations understand the impact of vicarious trauma and benefit from workplaces and communities of practice that promote their health, wellbeing, and their resilience.