Gordon Graham
Category: Law Enforcement

Gordon Graham here with Today’s Tip from Lexipol. Today, I’d like to talk to my law enforcement friends about assisting crime victims. Now listen, I know you’re no stranger to helping people. It’s your job. It might be one of the reasons you came into this profession. Peace officers answer hundreds of calls for service every day. Some of which involve violent crime.  

Don’t overlook your ability to comfort a victim or provide reassurance that you’re doing everything you can to help them. That extra effort helps everyone involved — and goes well beyond a simple pamphlet talking about crime victim’s rights. 

When responding to these calls, your focus is naturally on conducting the investigation. Following leads. Processing evidence. All are important components for solving crimes and putting bad people behind bars.  

But what about the victims of these crimes? Are we taking the time to attend to their needs and ensure they receive appropriate assistance? Investigative elements are very important. However, to the crime victim, feeling safe and secure is paramount. This involves provision of government and private resources designed to assist the victim with recovery. Maybe it also involves something as simple as a follow-up phone call to see how they’re doing. Better yet, stop by and check on their wellbeing while on the beat.   

It’s easy to get caught up in the technical aspects of your job. Advancements in technology help us in many ways, but they don’t replace the human element. Remember, to the crime victim, what they went through could very well be the worst possible experience in their entire life. 

As peace officers, you have the ability to provide comfort and compassion to those in need. I’m not advocating you lose focus on important investigative fundamentals. But don’t overlook your ability to comfort a victim or provide reassurance that you’re doing everything you can to help them. That extra effort helps everyone involved — and goes well beyond a simple pamphlet talking about crime victim’s rights. 

And that’s Today’s Tip from Lexipol. Gordon Graham signing off.