Policy Text
GO 208 Crime Victim/Witness Assistance Program Page 1 of 7 Rev. 09/13/23
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GENERAL ORDER
208 VICTIM / WITNE SS ASSISTANCE
REVISION DATE: 09/13/2023
BY ORDER OF THE CHIEF OF POLICE
SUNNY ISLES BEACH
POLICE DEPARTMENT ORIGINAL EFFECTIVE DATE: 11/29/22
PREVIOUS REVISIONS: 11/29/22
RESCINDS: All previously issued directives REFERENCE : 14.04
TABLE OF CONTENTS
A. PURPOSE ....................................................... ............................................................... .... 1
B. SCOPE ......................................................... ............................................................... ....... 1
C. POLICY ........................................................ ............................................................... ...... 1
D. DEFINITIONS ................................................... ............................................................... 1
E. PROCEDURES .................................................... ............................................................. 2
F. SUMMARY OF VICTIMS’ RIGHTS .................................... ........................................ 3
G. VICTIM NOTIFICATION (VINE) FORM ............................... .................................... 6
H. TRAINING ...................................................... ............................................................... ... 7
A. PURPOSE
To ensure that victims and witnesses of crimes have their right s protected in accordance with Florida State Statute
Chapter 960 and Florida Constitution, Article I, Section 16(b)(5) .
B. SCOPE
This directive is applicable to all department employees.
C. POLICY
It is the policy of the City of Sunny Isles Beach Police Depart ment to maintain a strong link between the victim and
witness of a crime and the Department. This Department is commi tted to providing necessary information,
resources, and support to victims of crimes in order to ensure each victim and witness is aware of their legal rights.
It is the Department’s policy to treat victims and witnesses wi th fairness, compassion, and dignity.
D. DEFINITIONS
Specified Crimes: For the purpose of this directive, specified crimes refer to f elonies and all misdemeanor crimes
against persons or other incidents upon the recommendation of t he investigating employee.
CRIME VICTIM / WITNESS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
General Order 208
GO 208 Crime Victim/Witness Assistance Program Page 2 of 7 Rev. 09/13/23
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Victim: For the purpose of this directive, a victim refers to a person who suffers direct or threatened physical,
psychological, or financial harm because of the commission or a ttempted commission of a crime or delinquent act
or against whom the crime or delinquent act was committed. The term "victim" includes the victim's lawful
representative, the parent or guardian of a minor, or the next of kin of a homicide victim, except upon a showing
that the interest of such individual would be in actual or pote ntial conflict with the interests of the victim. The term
"victim" does not include the accused.
Witness : A person, as determined by law enforcement, who has informati on or evidence relevant to a specific
crime. When the witness is a minor, the term witness includes a n appropriate family member. This precludes defense
witnesses and anyone involved in a crime as perpetrator or acco mplice.
E. PROCEDURES
1. Employees responsibilities:
a. All employees will ensure that the rights of all victims and wi tnesses are met, in accordance with State
Statute, the Florida Constitution, and as provided in this Dire ctive.
b. Employees will provide victims with the following information:
Victim Rights Brochure ( Annex 14.5A )
Domestic Violence Brochure, if applicable ( Annex 14.5B )
(a) Employees will accurately complete the section of the brochure entitled “YOUR CASE
INFORMATION” before providing it to a victim.
c. Employees will indicated in the report, which brochure(s) were given to the victim and if the victim
requested to have, their information exempted.
2. Employees shall:
a.