Overview
The Drug Enforcement Administration, Victim Witness Assistance Program (DEA-VWAP) was implemented as a result of victims rights laws and the Attorney General Guidelines for Victim Witness Assistance 2000 to ensure the rights of crime victims encountered in DEA investigations are met. These laws provide fair and just treatment of crime victims, immediate emergency treatment, and referrals to appropriate social service agencies. The program is managed from the Office of Congressional & Public Affairs, Demand Reduction Section, Washington, D.C. DEA-VWAP Headquarters staff provides victim witness training and guidance to management personnel, special agents, and investigators in domestic and international offices. In addition, the DEA-VWAP works with national, state and local victim organizations as well as federal, state and local law enforcement agencies on victim related matters. The Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Office for Victims of Crime (OVC), provides assistance and resources to the DEA-VWAP.

Within the DEA field divisions, the Special Agent in Charge (SAC) is the responsible official for ensuring compliance of the VWAP. There are designated Victim Witness Coordinators in each field division who assist in identifying and referring victims of crime encountered in DEA cases. These individuals are assigned the VWAP responsibilities as a collateral duty. They coordinate with federal, state and local victim organizations to provide appropriate victim referrals services. When children are identified in DEA cases, the Coordinators work with the local Drug Endangered Children (DEC) team or Child Protective Service agency. In addition, the Victim Witness Coordinator provides awareness and education within the field division and the local community on drug victimization.

Who Is A Victim?
The Attorney General Guidelines for Victim Witness Assistance 2000 defines a victim as an individual who suffers physical, financial, and emotional trauma as the result of a federal crime. When a victim is identified in an investigation, at the appropriate time, the Special Agent will provide the victim with a brochure that details resource information. The victim is responsible for reaching out to the appropriate service, which may begin with the Victim Witness Coordinator. After federal charges are filed, the victim may reach out to the United States Attorney Victim Witness Coordinator or, if charges are filed with the State, the State Victim Witness Coordinator.

What Kind of Services?
A victim may receive information on available services according to specific need. This referral could be counseling, medical assistance, emergency shelter and transportation, relocation, or State Crime Compensation information. Upon request, additional information specific to the investigation, such as when charges are filed, upcoming trial dates or logistics can be made available to the victim.

In connection with DEA investigations, the VWAP also provides information and assistance in the following areas: drug endangered children, child abuse and neglect, drug facilitated sexual assault, domestic violence, rape, homicide and other crimes of violence.

Crime Victims’ Bill of Rights

A Crime Victim Has The Following Rights Under 42 U.S.C. Section 10606(b):

1. The right to be treated with fairness and with respect for the victim’s dignity and privacy.
2. The right to be reasonably protected from the accused offender.
3. The right to be notified of court proceedings.
4. The right to be present at all public court proceedings related to the offense, unless the court determines that testimony by the victim would be materially affected if the victim heard other testimony at trial.
5. The right to confer with an attorney for the Government in the case.
6. The right to restitution.
7. The right to information about the conviction, sentencing, imprisonment, and release of the offender.

DEA Field Division Telephone Directory

For additional information contact the DEA Demand Reduction Section,
Office of Congressional & Public Affairs, Victim Witness Assistance Program
Toll free: 1-866-254-5970