First Response to Victims of Crime

Whenever a crime is committed, law enforcement officers are usually the first to arrive on the scene and to interact with victims. Law enforcement officers have more contact with crime victims than any other criminal justice professional. This makes their role critical and puts them in a unique position to assist victims immedi- ately after the crime and encourage and facilitate victim participa- tion in the criminal justice system. The initial response to a victim will have a long-lasting impact on that individual's view of the justice system and participation in the investigation and prosecution of the crime. The first response also is a key factor in whether or not a victim ultimately accesses needed services and assistance, such as crisis intervention, counseling, financial compensation, information, referrals to community programs, and help in navigat- ing the justice process.