NCJ Number
251538
Date Published
2015
Length
19 pages
Annotation
This document provides an instructor's guide, PowerPoint presentation, instructor readings, and a student handout for appropriate college courses that should include an overview of the relationship between law enforcement personnel and victims in the crime reporting process.
Abstract
In this course segment, students will learn that nearly half of all violent crime is not reported to law enforcement agencies and what factors contribute to this circumstance. Students will also learn of the importance of the manner and approach of police officers when they interact with victims and how this may influence the investigation and the rates of future citizen reports of crime. Upon completing this course, students will learn about the various ways victims and witnesses can report crime to the police, how the emotional and physical consequences of crime can impact the victim's ability to communicate information to the police about the crime, and how police and victims can work together to improve public safety. The classroom presentation of the material requires 50 minutes. It can be modified for use in courses related to various disciplines, including, but not limited to, criminal justice, psychology, sociology, nursing, social work, business, and history. Faculty are provided guidance for instruction and discussion related to each slide of the PowerPoint presentation of the material. A directory of materials is provided for both faculty and students, along with suggested additional related activities or assignments. National resources for crime victims are listed.