Law Enforcement Responsibilities

Law Enforcement Responsibilities (provided in writing as soon as possible after initial contact):

• VRA rights and compliance procedure information
• Services, resources, compensation available
• Protection options, including protection orders and how to modify
• Information about dealing with creditors as related to the crime
• What to do in case of harassment by suspect
• Jail status/release notification process

Law Enforcement must inform the victim of the following as soon as it is available:

• Changes in status of investigation
• Case report number, contact information for the officer investigating the case/DA’s office
• When the suspect is taken into custody
• Availability of police report and/or incident report
• Explanation of misdemeanor charges or decision not to file
• Return property when no longer needed (upon request)

Cold case victims have rights, too (Law Enforcement responsibilities):

• Notification regarding an change of status until statute of limitations has expired
• For crimes with statute of limitations of longer than three years the victim needs to receive annual notification from law enforcement status
• If an arrest is made for an unsolved crime committed before 1993, the appropriate agency must notify the crime victim of future critical stages
• A victim may request notification of any future critical stages if the crime occurred before 1993  and the offender is currently serving a sentence
• A victim who turns 18 years of age has the right to request notification from a criminal justice agency and become the primary point of contact
• A victim needs to update relevant agencies with any change of contact information