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Exploring Disparities in Victim Support Services Across Law Enforcement Agencies: A Multifaceted Approach

Fri, Nov 15, 8:00 to 9:20am, Pacific C - 4th Level

Abstract

Law enforcement agencies fulfill various crucial roles, among which victim support stands prominent. However, discernible disparities in the provision of victim support services persist within these agencies. The current study examines the complex landscape of victim support services offered by law enforcement agencies, highlighting the significant variances between various jurisdictions. Specifically, through a multifaceted approach, this study explores the factors contributing to these disparities, including staff composition, community relations, resource availability, and regional characteristics. The primary dataset was the Law Enforcement Management and Administrative Statistics (LEMAS) 2016 (Bureau of Justice Statistics, 2020). Our sample comprised 2,117 law enforcement agencies, spanning local, county, and regional police departments and sheriff’s offices across the United States. Findings reveal that staff composition exerts the most significant influence, followed by community relations, while the impact of resources and regional factors is more limited. Implications of these findings underscore the imperative for systemic reforms within law enforcement agencies and propose evidence-based recommendations aimed at catalyzing a transition toward environments more conducive to victim support, thus augmenting the overall efficacy of the criminal justice system in addressing victim needs.

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