Core Elements and Challenges
Training
Most law enforcement agencies at the sites trained their officers on victim-centered practices and on implementing new policies related to victim services. At several sites, victim services staff became instructors for the law enforcement academy to help standardize officers' response to victims. Some agencies offered training to their officers and those from law enforcement agencies in the region. Most sites also sought training for victim services staff to improve their capacity to assist victims.
Challenge
It was hard to find time for officers to gather for trainings on victimization issues and for the introduction to the new victim services program and policies.To overcome this difficulty, victim services staff frequently met with officers one-on-one to introduce the program, get their feedback on victims' needs, and identify training topics. Some agencies made certain training seminars mandatory and repeated seminars as needed to ensure that all officers attended.