RCMP E Division (B.C.) Victim Services Tuesday, April 15, 2014
Learning Outcomes Federal and Provincial Legislation Victim Services - British Columbia Victim Services - RCMP E Division RCMP police officer responsibilities Victim Service Worker responsibilities Victim Services An Integral Component
Guiding Legislation Federal Criminal Code (1867) Privacy Act (1985) RCMP Act (1985) Victim Bill of Rights (2014) Provincial BC Victims of Crime Act [VOCA] (1996) BC Crime Victim Assistance Act [CVAA] (2001)
BC Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) VOCA guarantees victims the right: to be treated with courtesy and respect by all justice personnel, without discrimination; to receive information on the justice system, victim services, the Crime Victim Assistance Act (compensation program) and related legislation; to receive, on request, certain case-specific information regarding police investigation, prosecution, sentencing and release of the offender; to be given a reasonable opportunity to provide victim impact information for presentation to the court before sentencing of the offender; to receive independent legal representation, provided free of charge where they cannot afford it, if an application has been made for disclosure of their personal records.
Victim Services in BC Ministry of Justice, Victim Services and Crime Prevention Division, delivers, funds / cost-shares a range of Victim Services Programs in BC They contract with local government and NGOs to deliver the majority of these VS programs, including Police-based and Community-based Victim Services PBVS programs operate out of police detachments and work closely with police Serve victims of all crime types. CBVS programs operate out of community agencies Serve victims of family, relationship, and sexual violence.
Victim Services in RCMP E Division E Division Victim Services Program Director provides policy and program support to Detachment OICs and Detachment VS Managers PBVS programs in 104 Detachments in E Division. Each program has a paid VS Manager, and may have additional paid employees. Some programs utilize VS volunteers. All staff / volunteers are cleared to RRS level, and are accountable to the Detachment Commander operationally. Detachment Commander has operational authority over programs. Must work with Employer (Contract Holder) who is legally / administratively responsible for VS employees. Guided by E Division VS O.M. and I.M. policy. Victims have legislated rights under the BC Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) and members have responsibilities to victims under this Act. VS programs can assist members to meet these responsibilities.
E Division Victim Services Program Director s Role Creates and revises policy and guidelines to assist VS programs and Detachments to work successfully together to deliver services to victims of crime and trauma. Provides support and advise to Detachment Commanders and Detachment Victim Service Program Managers. Designates VS employees who are able to access police files / systems. Liaises with internal and external partners to advocate for, and move VS issues forward. Arranges for deployment of VS to communities / detachments requesting assistance during community crisis.
Member Responsibilities: E Division Police Role Be familiar with BC Victims of Crime Act Be familiar with RCMP Victim Services Policy / related policies Advise victims of their VOCA rights, about Victim Services and make referrals to Victim Service Programs Provide support to victims, particularly where Victim Service Programs do not exist (eg: Detachments under 4 member strength) Keep victims informed on status of suspect (eg: when released from RCMP cells with conditions)
E Division Detachment Victim Services Unit Role Provide services to victims and witnesses of all types of crime and trauma: Services include: Crisis Intervention Emotional Support Information including police file updates and court file updates Practical Assistance Safety Planning Court orientation and witness preparation Referral to additional support agencies
Appropriate Referrals Break and Enter Home Invasion Assault Domestic Violence Homicide Suicide Motor Vehicle Incident Fatal Motor Vehicle Crash Hate Crimes Human Trafficking Sexual Assault Child Sexual Assault Elder Abuse Fraud Stalking Criminal Harassment Mischief Kidnapping Non-criminal code offences Traumatic events and more
Victim Services is a Critical Component The RCMP recognizes Victim Services as an integral and critical component in the comprehensive continuum of core policing services delivered by the RCMP to the citizens we serve here in BC. The RCMP is committed to sharing information with Victim Services, to ensure victims are afforded their rights to information and support they are entitled to by law.
National Victims of Crime Awareness Week
E Division Victim Services Contact Information Heather Hildred Victim Services Program Director E Division RCMP Crime Prevention Services 14200 Green Timbers Way, Surrey, BC V3P 3P6 Phone: 778-290-4020 Email: heather.hildred@rcmp-grc.gc.ca