Policy Text
Policy Delano Police Department
319 Delano PD Policy Manual
Victim and Witness Assistance
319.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
The purpose of this policy is to ensure that crime victims and witnesses receive appropriate
assistance, that they are provided with information from government and private resources, and
that the agency meets all related legal mandates.
319.2 POLICY
The Delano Police Department is committed to providing guidance and assistance to the victims
and witnesses of crime. The members of the Delano Police Department will show compassion and
understanding for victims and witnesses and will make reasonable efforts to provide the support
and information identified in this policy.
319.3 CRIME VICTIM LIAISON
The Chief of Police shall appoint a member of the Department to serve as the crime victim liaison
(2 CCR 649.36). The crime victim liaison will be the point of contact for individuals requiring
further assistance or information from the Delano Police Department regarding benefits from crime
victim resources. This person shall also be responsible for maintaining compliance with all legal
mandates related to crime victims and/or witnesses.
319.3.1 CRIME VICTIM LIAISON DUTIES
The crime victim liaison is specifically tasked with the following:
(a) Developing and implementing written procedures for notifying and providing forms for
filing with the California Victim Compensation Board (CalVCB) to crime victims, their
dependents, or family. Access to information or an application for victim compensation
shall not be denied based on the victim’s or derivative victim’s designation as a gang
member, associate, or affiliate, or on the person’s documentation or immigration status
(Government Code § 13962; 2 CCR 649.35; 2 CCR 649.36).
(b) Responding to inquiries concerning the procedures for filing a claim with CalVCB (2
CCR 649.36).
(c) Providing copies of crime reports requested by CalVCB or victim witness assistance
centers. Disclosure of reports must comply with the Records Maintenance and
Release Policy.
(d) Annually providing CalVCB with his/her contact information (Government Code §
13962).
(e) Developing in consultation with sexual assault experts a sexual assault victim card
explaining the rights of victims under California law (Penal Code § 680.2).
1. Ensuring that sufficient copies of the rights of sexual assault victim card are
provided to each provider of medical evidentiary examinations or physical
examinations arising out of sexual assault in the Delano Police Department
jurisdiction (Penal Code § 680.2).
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2019/12/06, All Rights Reserved. Victim and Witness Assistance - 1
Published with permission by Delano Police Department