Police Chief Magazine|Topics|Victim Services
Terrorism
Uniformed police official in decorated dress uniform places black‑and‑white memorial flags and flowers along engraved names at the 9/11 Memorial, with peaked cap, service ribbons, shoulder cord, badge, commemorative pins, reflective pool edge, trees, and evening lights visible
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Victim-Centered Counterterrorism Response

The continuing impact of terrorism—25 years on from the 9/11 attacks—still haunts victims and survivors, family members, local communities, and first responders. Understanding the devastating imp...
Victim Services
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The All-Hazards Imperative

For more than two decades, police departments across the globe have trained and prepared for active shooter incidents. While these training programs are sometimes described using generic terms such as...
Community-Police Engagement
Row of Mediterranean-style homes with pools and palm trees near a hillside; smoke rises in background where emergency vehicles are parked on a dirt road.
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The Dialogue of Trust

The word “trust” is commonly used by people, but it has several meanings. The one that applies to the context of policing refers to firm hope placed in someone. Trust is essential to coexistence ...
Investigations
Three individuals in outdoor gear walk through tall grass in dense forest; surrounded by trees and foliage, suggesting fieldwork or search activity.
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Investigating Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons

The crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) is one of the most urgent and complex public safety challenges facing police agencies in the United States. Indigenous communities—partic...
Victim Services
Three uniformed officers stand on grass speaking with a civilian; trees and sunlight in background; all appear engaged in outdoor discussion.
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Empowering Justice

Image courtesy of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, NC Detectives who have the daunting task of investigating violent crimes know firsthand the stress of the initial callout to a critical in...
Victim Services
Officer kneels with clipboard, assisting seated civilian in casual clothes; police car and trees in background, conveying support and field response
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Mapping Law Enforcement-Based Victim Services

The International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) has long supported law enforcement-based victim services (LEV). In recent years, the IACP’s work in providing training and technical assistan...
Victim Services
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Enhancing Police Services in Immigrant Communities

Police executives and community leaders recognize the need to build and sustain solid relationships with all communities, especially communities of color, since the police depend on community members ...
Victim Services
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Using AI to Enhance Victim Response

Many police agencies face staffing and resource constraints that require officers to prioritize violent crimes over other types of crimes for investigation and victim support. Police-based victim serv...
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