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Victim Witness Assistance
Program
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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
Atlanta .............................404-893-7000
Boston .............................617-557-2100
Caribbean .........................787-775-1815
Chicago ............................312-353-7875
Dallas ...............................214-366-6900
Denver ..............................303-705-7300
Detroit ..............................313-234-4000
El Paso .............................915-832-6000
Houston ............................713-693-3000
Los Angeles ......................213-621-6700
Miami ...............................305-994-4870 |
Newark .............................973-273-5000
New Orleans .....................504-840-1100
New York ..........................212-337-3900
Philadelphia .......................215-861-3474
Phoenix .............................602-664-5600
San Diego...........................858-616-4100
San Francisco ....................415-436-7900
Seattle ...............................206-553-5443
St. Louis ............................314-538-4600
Washington, DC .................202-305-8500 |
For additional information contact the DEA
Demand Reduction Section,
Office of Congressional & Public Affairs, Victim Witness Assistance
Program
Toll free: 1-866-254-5970
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