Resources Available

Voices of Victims

The Voices of Victims video series is a five-tape collection designed to educate criminal justice and social service professionals and the general public about victims' rights. Through these videos, you will discover information about the need for a constitutional amendment; financial assistance for victims of crime; victims' dealings with criminal justice professionals; victim notification rights; and the unique issues encountered in Indian Country. Tapes in the Voices of Victims series are Financial Considerations (NCJ
213806), Notice and Basic Case Information (NCJ 213807), Constitutional Amendment: Balancing the Scales (NCJ 213808), Criminal Justice Professionals (NCJ 213809) and American Indian Issues and the Tribal and Criminal Justice Systems (NCJ 213810). To order, call 800-851-3420.

COPS Office Releases Report on Video Surveillance

The U.S. Department of Justice Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) has released a report debating the use of video surveillance technologies, such as closed circuit television (CCTV), by law enforcement to address crime problems. 

By now, most of us are used to being watched by surveillance technology in commercial and semi-public establishments such as banks, casinos, convenience stores, and shopping malls. The benefits of using CCTV may include a reduction in crime and the fear of crime, aid to police investigation, place management, and information gathering. 

On the other side of the debate is the concern that the growing use of CCTV is an intrusion that could fulfill the Orwellian “Big Brother” image. Indeed, some unintended consequences of CCTV use can include displacement and increased suspicion and fear of crime.

This COPS publication tackles examines the research about video surveillance, describes the strengths and weaknesses of using CCTV in a public setting, and provides answers to many of the public’s concerns.

“Video surveillance for crime prevention is a tactic increasing in utilization,” said Carl Peed, COPS director. “This [report] is beneficial to both law enforcement and the community in understanding the proper implementation of video surveillance and acceptance of the practice.”

Video Surveillance of Public Places, part of the COPS Office Response Guide Series, is available online at http://www.cops.usdoj.gov/Default.asp?Item=1693. To order a free printed copy, call 800-421-6770. 

COPS Office Offers Resource To Address the Problem of Juvenile Runaways

A new resource from the COPS Office, Juvenile Runaways, will help local law enforcement analyze the local juvenile runaway problem. With the number of juvenile runaway episodes approaching two million a year, law enforcement are likely to encounter runaways as they patrol areas where these juveniles congregate, investigate missing persons reports, or deal with crimes involving juveniles as perpetrators or victims. The problem is complicated by the fact that runaway episodes often indicate family troubles and other societal issues.

Juvenile Runaways is rich with information on the factors that contribute to juvenile runaway episodes—triggers and seasonal and temporal issues—the methods of departure, destinations, duration, and consequences.  Specific questions will help law enforcement understand the problem and develop appropriate responses. 

Juvenile Runaways, part of the COPS Office Problem Specific Guides for Police, is available online at http://www.cops.usdoj.gov/Default.asp?Item=1694. To order a free copy, call 800-421-6770.