Law Enforcement
Police officers are usually the first interaction a crime
victim will have with the criminal justice system and sometimes the only
interaction. Therefore, the Office of Victim Services (OVS) is committed to
providing Law Enforcement with information and training to assist them in
meeting the needs of Connecticut’s crime victims.
DID YOU KNOW?
Police officers are required by law to get medical help for the
victim, if needed, and refer the victim to the Office of Victim
Services for information on rights and services, whenever the police
officer determines that a crime has been committed. (C.G.S. 54-222a)
Connecticut General Statutes Section (C.G.S.)
54-222a directs peace officers to distribute an informational card,
developed by the Judicial Branch, on rights and services to victims at the
scene of the crime.
OVS maintains the information and inventory of these cards and sends periodic reminders to police departments of their
statutory obligation.
In addition, OVS developed a poster for police departments to display in areas where police officers have access, such as
break rooms and locker rooms, as another reminder tool.
To order informational cards or other Judicial Branch forms, please use
Judicial Branch form JD-ES-17PD. To order posters, please email Jean.Weisbrod@jud.ct.gov.
Since 2001, OVS has provided training to new
municipal police recruits in collaboration with the Police Officer and
Standards Training Council. The objectives of the training are to:
- Inform law enforcement officers of crime victims’ constitutional and statutory rights
- Heighten awareness of crime’s effects on victims
- Provide tools that assist officers with victim interactions
- Increase officer’s knowledge of resources to support victims
To learn more about other training opportunities, please visit
Training Home.