In this study, researchers used a mixed-methods approach to assess the needs of victims of criminal justice system–related harm as well as available resources for them.
In this study of the needs of victims of criminal justice system-related harm, researchers conducted semi-structured interviews with the goals of assisting criminal justice agencies and victim service providers in identifying and treating harm, locating publicly available resources, and creating an inventory accessible by those same organizations, other researchers, and even those who have experienced harm. The authors reviewed the available literature, drew on prior research and study results to provide recommendations for future research and practice, and provided a comprehensive review of national level resources, presenting this information in an inventory. Several themes emerged, centering first on types of people most at-risk of experiencing criminal justice-related harms and errors, followed by sources of harm and error. The researchers also identified the types of harms and errors occurring within the courts and advocacy fields, policing/law enforcement interactions, and within corrections. Finally, the authors also identified the primary needs of victims within each of these domains. Three subgroups of individuals most at-risk of experiencing criminal justice harms and errors emerged: people out of custody with substance use and mental health problems that are considered to be exacerbating factors; people in the justice system with a violent charge but seen as victim/survivors first; and people who were formerly incarcerated and who have their own unique challenges. Themes from interviews also revealed several individual or person-level sources of criminal justice–related harms and errors. Interviewees noted that human error was a cause of criminal justice harms and errors and was likely oftentimes unintentional. Most interviewees also mentioned a lack of training as a reason for criminal justice related harms or errors. The study also revealed that criminal justice-related harms and errors can include both direct and indirect forms of harms and errors.