Criminal Justice Support
Additional Information
Criminal Justice Support: If there is an active prosecution, it is imperative to have a support system in place since criminal justice events can be very difficult for victims/survivors.
These tools are especially helpful for when a court proceeding is continued or rescheduled so that victims/survivors can get all get the information instantaneously.
- Incident-Specific Link – Creating an incident-specific link that is password protected for victims and survivors has worked well in several mass violence incidents.
- Having a “blast” email system will be very beneficial.
- Utilizing a website that can provide up to the minute information will provide victims and survivors with information about resources, the prosecution of the case, as well as summaries of hearings, explanations of the court processes, etc.
After a mass shooting in Aurora Colorado, the District Attorney’s Office developed a toolkit to be used in other mass shootings. This toolkit provides suggestions and checklists to assist advocates throughout the lengthy criminal justice process.
Prosecution-Based Mass Violence Response Toolkit: A guide for Victim Advocates Responding to Mass Violence Incidents When the Offender will be Prosecuted:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Y4u_kKX86VvQCkLJ8DkqGQw5di0juRZo/view
Best Practices for Improving Community Preparation
There are 16 best practices that have been identified by the Improving Community Preparedness (ICP) Training and Technical Assistance (TTA) Program. https://icptta.com/resources/
These include:
- Incident Command System
- Committee Identification & Engagement
- Contact List
- Family and Friends Reception/Notification Center (FRC) Plan
- Victim Identification and Notification Protocol
- Public Information and Crisis Communications Protocol
- Volunteer management Protocol
- Family/Friends Assistance Center (FAC) Plan
- Donation Management Protocol
- Memorial and Special Events Management Plan
- Community Behavioral Health Response
- First Responder Support
- Planning & Preparedness Grants and Emergency Funding Assistance
- Community Resilience Planning
- Criminal Justice System – Victim Support
- Training and Exercise
When planning for a MVI, it is suggested that all sections of the toolkit are reviewed and utilized so that planning can occur for what will be needed immediately after the MVI and during the recovery process.
OVC TTAC: Response Checklist:https://ovc.ojp.gov/sites/g/files/xyckuh226/files/pubs/mvt-toolkit/tools.html
Learn More
Follow this link to view the Office for Victims of Crime Toolkit for more information