301904

ORANGE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE SPECIAL ORDER Effective Date: September 24, 2022  Amends - SO 73.0 ( December 18, 2015 ) Number: 73.0 Distribution: All Victim Advocate Personnel Review Month: May Reviewing Authority: CID / Major Case Subject: Victim Advocate Squad This order consists of the following: 1. Purpose 2. Procedures 1. Purpose The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines and procedures for the Victim Advocate Squad. 2. Procedures A. Guidelines 1. General a. The Victim Advocate Squad, working under the Major Case Section of the Criminal Investigations Division, shall provide services to both adult and juvenile victims and witnesses of crimes according to the guidelines for fair treatment of victims and witnesses in the criminal justice and juvenile justice system as described in Florida Statute 960 and GO 6.4.8. b. Victim Advocates shall respond to calls for service from all law enforcement agencie s within incorporated and unincorporated Orange County 24 hours daily . c. Under the direction of the Victim Advocate Supervisor , the Victim Advocates provide comprehensive victim services to those who have been victims or secondary victims of crime and provide in -service training on victim -related issues . d. Victim Advocates make referrals to victims, conduct community education efforts, and provide other services to support the law enforcement mission . e. Victim Advocates also maintain case files and compile monthly and yearly statistical information. f. Advocates shall conduct business in a professional manner, maintaining their objectivity. g. Advocates shall work in a cooperative spirit with other agencies or person(s) involved in the case. h. Victim Advocates shall provide crisis intervention and follow -up services for primary and secondary victims of crime . i. Victim Advocates shall a ssist victims in filing for Crime compensation when they need financial support for medical expenses, lost wages, funeral bills, or other qualifying needs. j. Victim Advocates shall assess and arrange for emergency needs 73.0, Page 2 of 4 such as food, clothing, and shelter for reported victims of crime . k. Victim Advocates shall serve as liaison between the victim, law enforcement, the courts, social service agencies, and other national, state, and local agencies. l. Victim Advocates shall provide accompaniment to court and other legal proceedings and offer explanation of the judicial process . m. Victim Advocates shall present subject -related educational programs to social service agencies, civic associations, schools, neighborhoods and business groups, and other interested organizations. n. Victim Advocates shall conduct law enforcement in -service training covering subject -related material. o. Victim Advocates shall verify property taken as evidence is promptly returned to the victim as soon as possible. p. Victim Advocates shall assist the Criminal Investigations Division when deemed appropriate. q. Victim Advocates shall provide assistance to the Senior Crime Prevention Specialist and the agency’s Casualty As sistance Officer Team, Critical Incident Stress Management Team (CI SMT) and the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) when needed. B. Procedures 1. Victim Advocates, when assessing victim needs , shall determine the most effective and expedient way to assist the victim . 2. Victim Advocates should make appropriate referrals to social service agencies, resource centers, and counseling groups. Victim Advocates should consider those agencies that provide free services or work on a sliding fee schedule. 3. Each victim’s needs are unique to the situation and countless variables influence each. The sequence of the Victim A dvocate’s actions will be based upon individual circumstances and appropriate assessment of priorities. 4. In the event of a law enforceme nt member, fire personnel or other public service agency member being seriously ill or injured or dying, Victim Advocate services will be available to the individual, their family, and to others involved in the incident. 5. In the event law enforcement pe rsonnel become involved in a shooting or other critical incident, Victim A dvocate services will be available upon request. 6. Victim Advocate s’ requests to assist out of county victims , or agencies , will be cleared through the unit supervisor. 7. Victim Advocates shall participate in educational and community awareness programs and presentations . They shall participate as members or liaisons in community -based social service committee and coalitions. 73.0, Page 3 of 4 8. Victim Advocates should make every effort to return electronic and written communications in a prompt and professional manner. 9. Victim Advocates will respond to crime scenes, hospitals, or other locations as directed. Where response is considered optional, ad vocates can assess the need to respond based on the information received and conduct a follow -up at a later time. 10. Victim Advocates will be requested by the lead detective, case agent, patrol supervisor or command designee. Media inquiries in referenc e to a specific case will be referred to the case agent or to the Public Information Officer. A Victim Advocate should not grant any media interview without appropriate permission. 11. Victim Advocates shall keep a ccurate monthly statistical information maintained for submission to the squad supervisor at the end of each month. An Annual Report will be completed and submitted to the Section Commander, per agency policy. 12. Victim Advocates shall make every effort to keep abreast of current legal or procedural