Victim Assistance

The policy of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is to treat all victims/witnesses in a respectful, responsive, and compassionate manner that reflects the Department’s recognition of the trauma of victimization. A member’s interaction with the victim/witness of a crime shall not contribute additional harm. Toward that end, MPD members assist crime victims by providing them with information about their rights and available programs and services that can help them cope with physical injury, emotional trauma, and economic loss. Additional information about specialized programs and services are listed below.

Crime Victim's Bill of Rights

A crime victim has the right to:

Be treated with fairness and with respect for the victim's dignity and privacy;
Be reasonably protected from the accused offender;
Be notified of court proceedings;
Be present at all court proceedings related to the offense, including the sentencing, and release, parole, record-sealing, and post-conviction hearings, unless the court determines that testimony by the victim would be materially affected if the victim heard other testimony or where the needs of justice otherwise require;
Confer with an attorney for the prosecution in the case which does not include the authority to direct the prosecution of the case;
An order of restitution from the person convicted of the criminal conduct that caused the victim's loss or injury;
Information about the conviction, sentencing, imprisonment, detention, and release of the offender, and about any court order to seal the offender's criminal records;
Notice of the rights provided in this chapter and under the laws of the District of Columbia; and
Be notified of any available victim advocate or other appropriate person to develop a safety plan and appropriate services.

Crime Victims Compensation Program (CVCP)

The Crime Victims Compensation Program administered by tthe Superior Court of DC assists innocent victims of violent crime and their families with crime-related expenses such as funeral and burial costs, medical and mental health costs, lost wages, loss of support and services, clean up of a crime scene and, for victims of domestic violence, the cost of temporary shelter. Through the services of a victim advocate, crime victims receive assistance in filing applications; locating victim service programs, support groups, or mental health counselors; and handling quality of life issues that arise after victimization.

How to Complete the Crime Victims Compensation Application