The Your City Police Department is dedicated to assist and provide services to victims
and witnesses of crime. This is accomplished through our Victims Assistance Program.
Our goal is to insure that victims and witnesses are given as much assistance as our
agency can provide.
Who is eligible for services?
A victim: a person who suffers direct or threatened
physical, psychological, or financial harm as a result of a criminal act.
Includes: the person's spouse, parent, child, or a representative of a
victim who is deceased; a minor; incapable; or physically or psychologically disabled.
Does not include: someone who is under investigation, charged with a crime,
or convicted of a crime.
A witness:a person who has been or expected to be summoned to testify.
What are the responsibilities of a Victim or Witness?
- Provide your legal name, current mailing address, and current telephone number to the
appropriate agency.
- Inform the Solicitor's Office or the Court of the right to be present for any plea,
trial, or sentencing.
- Inform the Solicitor's Office or the Court of the right to make a written or oral
statment in a timely manner.
What are your rights as a victim or witness of a crime?
- Right to be treated with dignity and compassion.
- Right to be protected from intimidation and harm.
- Right to be informed concerning the criminal justice process.
- Right to restitution and compensation.
- Right to preservation of property and employment.
- Right to due process in criminal court proceedings.
- Right to special recognition and attention to the very young, elderly,
who are handicaped or who have special needs, by all criminal justice, medical,
and social service agencies.
- Right to be notified of an offender's arrest or detention.
- Right to be informed when an offender is released, escapes, or is transferred.
- Right to attend a bond hearing and make recommendations.
- Right to attend court proceedings.
- Right to be informed of court room procedures.
- Right to have personal property taken recovered or returned expeditiously.
- Right to be informed of the status and progress of the case.
What to do about restitution?
A victim must provide to the Solicitor's Office or to the Court a list of the property
that was stolen, damaged, destroyed, or recovered; medical expenses; income lost as a
result of the crime; other expenses caused by the crime; and any financial recovery
from insurance or compensation. This may be included in a written impact statement.
What if I am harassed or threatened?
Immediately contact the appropriate Police Department.
What is an Order of Protection?
An order of protection is issued to protect the victim of domestic violence from
the abuse of another household member.
Where can I get a copy of the report?
A copy of the police report can be obtained free of charge to the victim at the
Your City Police Department's Administration Office.
Who is eligible for Compensation?
Victims and witnesses of a crime who meet the requirements are eligible for
compensation from the Division of Victim Assistance.