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For hearing / speech impaired
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It is the role of police to respond to crime, emergencies and other calls for assistance by land, sea and air.

When a crime is reported to be occurring or has just occurred, uniformed police will generally be the first to attend the scene. As first responders, police have a duty of care to ensure the safety of the victim/s and this may include arranging for an ambulance.

The uniformed police will speak to the victim to get their personal details, ask what happened, ask the victim if they can identify the offender, ask for a description of the offender and any other information that could assist the police in finding the offender. Police may also ask for details from witnesses to the crime. Once the incident or crime has been reported to police face-to-face, you will be given a Victims Card to keep for future reference.

On the front of the card are the contact details for the officer in charge of your matter. This includes their name, phone number and COPS Event Number. If the officer is not available please ask for the supervising Sergeant.

On the reverse of the card are important contact details and QR codes to directly access information on the NSW Police Force role in responding to victims of crime and information for Domestic & Family Violence victims. It also contains information on support options for victims:

• Victims Services
• Safer Pathway
• State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA)

We will:

• Explain how we will deal with your matter and whether any further action will be taken
• Provide you with a COPS reference number and contact telephone number of the investigating officer
• If police proceed with an investigation, where possible, they will keep you informed throughout the investigation at least every 28 days until the matter is closed or suspended. Police will inform you of the status of the investigation right to the very end. This includes where an investigation cannot progress any further without further information or evidence
• Encourage you to contact police if you change your contact details and need or have any further information.

Customer service is a priority of the NSW Police Force and is what the community expects. Our customers have reasonable expectations of NSW Police, that is for NSW Police:

• to be easy to engage
• to act with empathy
• to communicate; and
• to be efficient

Victims support and referral cannot be fulfilled solely by the NSW Police Force. We work with other agencies within the justice system to improve the response and outcomes for victims of crime.

Police will provide you with information about support services. You will be referred to the Victims Access Line (VAL), run by Victims Services, Department of Communities & Justice, who can provide you with information, referral and support to a range of services for victims of crime.

Victims Access Line (VAL) – 1800 633 063

Please visit Victim Services for further information

Victims of violent crimes that have occurred in NSW may be eligible for free face-to-face counselling through the Approved Counselling Scheme.

For access to this scheme please contact: Victims Access Line (VAL) – 1800 633 063

Or visit Victims Services Counselling

Crisis and ongoing support to families and friends of missing persons is provided by the Families & Friends of Missing Persons Service (FFMPS), Victims Services.

FFMPU - 1800 633 063 (option 7)

or visit Families & Friends of Missing

or visit Families & Friends of Missing Persons Service

Many, but not all NSW Police Force Police Area Commands/Police Districts, have specialist officers who can provide support and referral. If you would like one of these specialist officers to assist you, ask at your Police Area Commands / Police Districts if they are available.

Aboriginal Community Liaison Officers (ACLOs)

ACLOs are civilian employees of the NSW Police Force who work closely with the Aboriginal community. Part of the ACLOs responsibilities include providing an avenue for community members to report crime and to encourage Aboriginal people to work with police to develop programs to address crime and violence in their communities.

Domestic Violence Liaison Officers (DVLOs)

DVLOs are specialist police officers trained to provide support and referral in relation to domestic and family violence. Their role is important in developing and maintaining partnerships with other government and non-government agencies for victim support including follow up services, such as refuges. Most Police Area Commands/Police Districts have one or more DVLOs.

Multicultural Community Liaison Officers (MCLOs)

MCLOs are civilian employees of the NSW Police Force who strengthen links between local police and their culturally diverse communities. Part of the MCLOs duties include victim support and follow up, basic language assistance and network referrals. MCLOs can assist victims to report crime.

Gay and Lesbian Liaison Officers (GLLOs)

GLLOs are specialist police officers located in a range of areas including metropolitan and regional. These officers are specially trained to deal with gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intersex (GLBTI) issues. GLLOs are available to assist GLBTI victims of crime and are sensitive to the law enforcement issues of the GLBTI community. They maintain partnerships with key external agencies and organisations that provide a range of services to GLBTI communities.

Youth Liaison Officers (YLOs)

YLOs are specialist police officers trained to deliver crime prevention programs to reduce victimisation and youth crime. They maintain networks with relevant agencies to provide support and referral. Most Police Area Commands/Police Districts have a YLO.

School Liaison Police (SLPs)

SLPs are specialist police officers who work in high schools across NSW, including public, religious and independent schools. As part of their duties SLPs support victims of crime, conduct crime prevention workshops into targeted local crime issues like cyber crime, knives and bullying. SLPs work with Principals in targeting local crime issues as well as conducting major incident follow up at high schools.

Crime Prevention Officers (CPOs)

CPOs are specialist police officers who work with the community across NSW, including local residents, government agencies, council and shires, business and commercial owners, managers and staff. As part of their duties, CPOs support victims of crime and conduct crime prevention workshops into targeted local crime issues like shoplifting, anti-social behaviour and vandalism.

CPOs work with the council or shire in addressing crime risk in relation to development planning. CPOs engage with the local community to address local crime issues. They conduct Community Safety Audits and work with individuals to assess their crime risk. CPOs help to decrease the fear of crime by conducting crime risk assessments of residences and business locations.

Volunteers in Policing (VIPs)

VIPs are members of the community specially trained to assist police and the community in specific duties. VIPs do not wear a police uniform or undertake the same duties as police. They assist police in promoting crime prevention activities, maintaining local police registers, assisting with short-term child minding at local police stations and providing support to victims of crime and witnesses attending court.

One of the main roles of the NSW Police Force is to detect and investigate crime and prosecute offenders. The investigation of a crime can take weeks, months or even longer depending upon the amount and type of evidence required to complete the investigation. Usually uniformed police will be the first to attend the scene of a crime and in some instances the matter will be referred to detectives who will take charge of the investigation.

During the initial investigation police will interview victims, witnesses, record details, assess the victims need for protection and collect physical evidence. Protection orders are available to ensure the protection of victims. Allowing police to conduct forensic examinations of crime scenes can assist in the criminal investigation process and influence the outcome at court.

Police will determine whether an investigation should be continued based upon the nature and circumstances of the offence, the chances of solving the crime, victim needs and community needs. If police proceed with an investigation they will:

• Provide the victim with a copy of their statement. A statement is a typed record of what happened in the victims own words
• Keep the victim informed of the progress of the investigation, unless the disclosure might jeopardise the investigation, in which case, the victim will be informed accordingly. Victims need to advise police of any changes to their contact details so that police can maintain contact with them
• Inform the victim of the charges laid against the accused or the reasons for not laying charges
• Inform the victim of any decision of the prosecution to modify or not proceed with charges laid against the accused (including any decision to accept a plea of guilty by the accused to a less serious charge upon the promise of the accused pleading guilty to another charge or charges)
• In criminal prosecutions involving the NSW Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), a representative of the ODPP will advise the victim, in lieu of the police of any decision of the prosecution to modify or not proceed with charges laid against the accused (including any decision to accept a plea of guilty by the accused to a less serious charge upon the promise of the accused pleading guilty to another charge or charges)
• From 2 December 2011, courts cannot accept a negotiated plea of guilty to an alternative charge where there are agreed facts unless a certificate has been filed with the court. The certificate must verify that there has been consultation with the victim or set out good reason why consultation could not occur, such as the victim declining to speak to police, the victim cannot be located or the victim is deceased
• Inform the victim of the date and place of hearing of any charge laid against the accused
• Inform the victim of the outcome of the criminal proceedings against the accused and the sentence (if any) imposed.

For serious charges where the accused has been charged with a crime that involves sexual violence, results in actual bodily harm and/or results in mental illness to the victim, the victim must be consulted before any decision is made to modify or not to proceed with charges laid against the accused. The only exception is if the victim indicates that they do not wish to be consulted. Once an offender is arrested and charged they are then known as the accused and will be either:

• Released with a Court Attendance Notice (CAN), which is a written direction for the accused to attend court on a particular day to answer a charge or an order against them
• Released on bail. If a victim or witness fears for their safety the police will inform the prosecutor who will ensure that the court takes this into account when assessing the bail application. Bail conditions can be imposed on the accused by the court and if the accused does not comply with those conditions, police can arrest the accused for breach of bail.
• Kept in custody (also known as on remand) until the matter goes before a court.

Police should inform the victim of the decision to proceed or not proceed with an investigation. It is important for victims to know at the outset that when they make a statement and the accused is charged, there is a presumption that the victim will be required to go to court to give evidence. Police will inform the victim of the outcome of any bail application, especially if the accused has been charged with sexual assault or any other serious personal violence offence. Police should provide advice to victims about what they should do if the accused breaches their bail conditions. Depending upon the nature of the crime committed, there are other options other than court to deal with offenders. These options must meet specific criteria before they can be considered. These options include:

• Criminal Infringement Notice (CIN) - an on the spot fine for certain offences
• Forum Sentencing – mediation between the offender and victim
• Circle Sentencing – a sentencing alternative for serious repeat adult Aboriginal offenders. Young offenders may also be dealt with under the Young Offenders Act 1997. This legislation applies to many offences and gives police discretion to deal with young offenders by way of:
• An informal warning *  A formal Caution, or
• Youth Conferencing. The degree of harm caused to the victim is a valid consideration in determining whether action under the Young Offenders Act 1997 is appropriate.

Police will advise victims of the date and place of a court hearing of any charge laid against the accused. Victims of crime do not need to have their own lawyer for court as they are witnesses for the prosecution. The prosecution represents the community.

Depending upon the type of charge against the accused and the court in which the matter will be heard, the prosecutor may be a police prosecutor or a prosecutor for the NSW Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP). Police investigate crimes and commence criminal proceedings. They will prosecute summary matters in the local court, except if the charge relates to the sexual assault upon a child or the prosecution of a police officer. Police will refer serious criminal matters to the ODPP who then take over the prosecution of the case.

Before the hearing date or any other date the victim is required to attend court, the police officer in charge of the investigation is responsible for making contact with the victim by letter or phone. They are also responsible for explaining the trial process to victims of crime and explaining the role of a witness. It is general practice for police to subpoena victims and witnesses of crime to attend court for hearings.

Police should ensure that all victims receive clear, accurate and timely information on their role at court and what to expect. This includes:

• Procedures for giving evidence and cross examination
• People who will be present in the court room and their roles
• How the court operates
• How the victim can be protected from unnecessary contact with the accused or defence witnesses during court proceedings.

Safety Concerns

If a victim has any concerns about their safety and requires protection from the accused, they should immediately tell the investigating police officer who will tell the prosecutor. The prosecutor can then inform the court of any concerns in relation to the protection of the victim whilst at court. In some courthouses there are separate waiting rooms for victims and witnesses. Prior to going to court the victim can arrange a time and place to meet with the prosecutor or support person who can then show the victim the safest place to wait.

Witness Expenses

Witness expenses may be available for the days a witness goes to court. This may include meals, transport and accommodation costs. The rates of payment are not intended to fully compensate witnesses for their expenses and losses; rather they are intended to reduce the financial hardship incurred by attending court as a witness. The witness expenses claim form must be authorised by the police informant and/or police prosecutor and/or the ODPP prosecutor prior to submitting the form to the court officer.

After you have given evidence, attend the court office and submit the authorised form for payment. The current witness expense rates are set out on that claim form. Witnesses should inform police or the ODPP prosecutor well in advance of the court hearing if they require money to assist them in attending court. For further information please call (02) 9285 8606 or visit: Going to court and being a witness

When an accused person pleads guilty or is found guilty of charges laid against them, they then become known as an offender. After an offender has been convicted but before they are sentenced, legislation allows in certain circumstances (the Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Act 1999) the victim an opportunity to give the court a written statement.

This statement is known as a ‘Victim Impact Statement’. It includes details of how the offences that the offender has been found guilty of, have affected the life of the victim. The statement can only relate to the crime or crimes of which the offender has been convicted. A victim impact statement is voluntary. The victim must advise the prosecutor if he/she wants to make a victim impact statement to be given to the court.

The officer in charge of the investigation should ensure that all material contained in a victim impact statement complies with the legislation. The police prosecutor or Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) may provide the officer in charge with advice in this regard.

Once a victim statement is accepted by the court, the reading of the victim impact statement to the court is optional and voluntary. The statement can be read out by the victim, an immediate family member of the victim or representative of the victim. It cannot be read out by the prosecutor.

Before preparing a victim impact statement, it is important to know that when it is accepted by the court it becomes part of the court case. This means that the victim or author of the statement could be subjected to possible cross-examination, the offender can read the statement (but not keep a copy), the statement becomes a public document (except in relation to children) and the media may gain access to the statement and report on the contents of the statement that are read out or referred to in court.

Whilst a police officer may not suggest the content of your victim impact statement, they may provide you with information on how to ensure your victim impact statement complies with legislation. For more information on making a victim impact statement in the local, district or supreme court visit https://www.victimsservices.justice.nsw.gov.au/

The Witness Assessment Service (WAS) operates statewide and provides services for victims and witnesses. It operates within the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).

A WAS professionally qualified worker is located in each of the ODPP offices. The service is available to victims and witnesses of crime involved in cases that are being prosecuted by the ODPP. WAS can accept referrals once police have finished their investigation and charges have been laid against the alleged offender.

Police should notify WAS if victims/witnesses require specialist and/or support services if the victims and/or witnesses are:

• a child or young person under 18 years of age
• a person with a disability
• an elderly person
• a person who speaks a language other than English
• a person of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander background, and/or
• any person experiencing trauma difficulties about attending court.

The service provided by WAS aims to minimise the re-traumatisation of the victim while going through the criminal proceedings. The service includes:

• providing information about the legal process
• services available
• rights and entitlements
• updates on the progress of the matter as required
• referral to other services * court preparation and familiarisation
• coordinating court support
• supporting victims during conferences with ODPP lawyers
• assistance with victim impact statements, debriefing and post court follow-up.

There is a Witness Assistance Service Officer at each of the offices of the ODPP.

Head Office Sydney (02) 9285 8606

Parramatta (02) 9891 9800

Campbelltown (02) 4629 2811

Penrith (02) 4721 6100

Gosford (02) 4337 1111

Dubbo (02) 6881 3300

Wollongong (02) 4224 7111

Newcastle (02) 4929 4399

Wagga Wagga (02) 6925 8400

Lismore (02) 6627 2222

TOLL FREE 1800 814 534 (Outside Sydney) TTY (02) 9285 8646

For toll free callers wanting to speak to a regional WAS officer please ask the Head Office switchboard operator to put you through to the regional office where the WAS officer is located. TTY: (02) 9285 8646 FAX: (02) 9285 2528 (Head office)

The NSW Police Force, Forensic Services Group utilises specialist police officers or other civilian crime scene examiners to attend crime scenes. At crime scenes where fingerprint examinations are undertaken there will often be fingerprint powder residue left at the scene.

The NSW Police Force is not responsible for the cleaning of this residue but can provide information as to how the residue can be cleaned and removed. The crime scene examiner may give you a card with the following information on how to remove fingerprint powder.

NSW Police Force Forensic Services Group

• Your premises have been examined for fingerprints by the use of white and black powders.
• These powders may be removed from glass, tiles, plastic and painted surfaces etc, first by wiping excess powder with a dry cloth and then using an ammonia based cleaning agent. Cleaning agents which are ammonia based at the date of preparation of this ‘How to clean’ information are ‘Jiff Once Over’, ‘Spray & Wipe’, ‘Nifti” etc. Prior to using any such cleaning agents, a check should be made to ensure that the cleaning agent is still ammonia based. Please read and follow the directions for use before using any ammonia based cleaning agent.
• Please note that ammonia based cleaning agents should not be used on varnished/ polished furniture. This is not an exhaustive list of the surfaces on which ammonia based cleaning agents should not be used and the directions for use should be read and followed to ensure it is safe to use the cleaning agent on a particular surface.
• If you notice fingerprint powder on carpet, it should be firstly dry vacuumed and then cleaned with a carpet cleaning agent.

The use of chemical enhancement techniques to locate or enhance trace biological evidence at crime scenes is also common. Cleaning of the residues left by these chemicals at crime scenes is the responsibility of the NSW Police Force, Crime Scene Service Branch (CSSB). Cleaning requires specialist techniques usually sourced from private contractors, who are required to stringently adhere to Work, Health & Safety guidelines.

It is the responsibility of the user/owner/relatives/ occupiers of the premises and/or vehicles to clean up biologically contaminated crime scenes such as suicides, deceased persons, shootings and decomposed bodies where no chemical enhancement techniques have been used by NSW Police Force officers.

Where any doubt exists about who is responsible for cleaning a crime scene ask the officer in charge of the investigation to contact the CSSB Referral Officer. The Victims Rights and Support Act 2013 governs the circumstances under which financial assistance may be available to aid with crime scene clean-up. For more information visit Victims Services website: https://www.victimsservices.justice.nsw.gov.au

Further information and assistance can be obtained from: Victims Access Line (VAL) – 1800 633 063 Please visit Victim Services for further information

Police deal mainly with two types of property:

1. the recovery of stolen goods
2. property collected at a crime scene for evidence that is referred to as an “exhibit”.

1. Stolen Property

When police recover stolen property they will attempt to identify the owner of the property and arrange for the property to be returned to its rightful owner. If you see your property for sale in a pawnbroker shop, speak to the owner of the shop and let them know that it is your property. Then report the matter to your local police station.

2. Exhibits

In certain circumstances your property may be retained by police as evidence for the duration of a hearing and any pending appeals. The length of time that your property is kept by police varies and this could be indefinitely if it is required for forensic or scientific testing. For example, murder weapons and implements used in armed hold ups. In many cases, police can photograph, fingerprint or analyse property as needed, then return the property to the owner. Police can often satisfy the onus of presenting evidence at court by tendering photos of the exhibit with a sworn testimony that the exhibit exists. Police cannot always guarantee that property will be returned. In some circumstances it could be destroyed by the analysis process or be deemed unsafe to return. Exhibits may also need to be retained for certain offence types and until any appeal period expires.

Returning property

You should contact the officer in charge of your matter if you have any concerns about the return of your property, be it recovered stolen goods or property being used as an “exhibit”. If they are unavailable ask to speak to the supervising Sergeant. If your property is recovered or no longer required as an “exhibit” you will be notified about how to collect your property. You will need to tell police within 28 days whether you want to collect and take your property or not. After 28 days police may destroy any uncollected property.

The NSW Police Force does not maintain the victims registers. However, police should inform victims about the existence of victims registers. The victims registers contain information about adult offenders, young offenders and forensic patients who have been found guilty of a crime, sentenced and currently in custody or if they were found not guilty by reason of mental illness or unfit at a special hearing and received a limiting term.

As part of the Charter of Victims Rights, victims have the right to:

Right 15: Information about impending release, escape or eligibility for absence from custody

“A victim will, on request, be kept informed of the offender’s impending release or escape from custody or of any change in security classification that result in the offender being eligible for unescorted absence from custody.”

Right 16: Submissions on parole and eligibility for absence from custody of serious offenders

“A victim will, on request, be provided with the opportunity to make submissions concerning the granting of parole to a serious offender or any change in security classification that would result in a serious offender being eligible for unescorted absence from custody.”

A newly revised Charter of Victims Rights - Part 6A of the Victims Rights and Support Act 2013 No 37 explicitly applies to victims of forensic patients.

Victims of crime may be able to be listed on a victims register to receive information about an offender who is an adult or a young person in custody, or who is a forensic patient. There are 3 victims registers in NSW. They are:

1. For Victims of Adult Offenders

   The Victims Support Unit (VSU) is the primary point of contact for victims of offenders supervised by Corrective Services NSW (CSNSW). The unit maintains the Victims Register and keeps registered victims of sentenced offenders in NSW, informed of:

   • impending release. change in classification, escape, death or eligibility for absence from custody of an offender.
   • assists registered victims to make submissions on parole and eligibility for absence from custody of serious offenders.

   To be eligible to join the register, the person must be a victim of the sentenced offender or a family representative of a victim who is deceased, incapacitated or under the age of 18.

   For further information or to formally register on the Victims Register for adult offenders please contact:
   Victims Register
   Locked Bag 5111
   PARRAMATTA NSW 2124
   T: 02 8688 6833
   E: victims.register@dcj.nsw.gov.au
   Please visit https://correctiveservices.dcj.nsw.gov.au/csnsw-home/support/victim-support.html

2. For Victims of Juvenile Offenders

   The Juvenile Justice Victims Register Officer is the primary point of contact for victims of juvenile offenders supervised by Youh Justice NSW.

   For further information or to formally register on the Victims Register for juvenile offenders please contact:
   Victims Register
   Strategy and Engagement Directorate
   Youth Justice NSW
   GPO Box 31 Sydney NSW 2001
   T: 02 8346 1333
   E: JJVictimsRegister@justice.nsw.gov.au

3. For Victims of Forensic Patients

   Victims Services administers the Specialist Victims Register. If you are on the Register, you can be notified of certain changes concerning a forensic patient.

   Phone Victims Access Line 1800 633 063 or Aboriginal Contact Line 1800 019 123
   Email: svss@dcj.nsw.gov.au
   Web: https://www.victimsservices.justice.nsw.gov.au/victims-services/how-can-we-help-you/programs-and-initiatives/specialist-victims-support-service/specialist-victims-register.html

Who is a victim of crime?

The Victims Rights and Support Act 2013 (NSW) defines a victim of crime as someone who suffers harm as a result of an act committed by another person in the course of a crime. This includes physical and psychological harm, as well as loss or damage to property. Family members of a person who dies as a result of a crime are also considered victims of crime.

Charter of Victims Rights

Victims of crime in NSW have a Charter of Victims Rights (the Charter) to protect and promote their rights.

The Charter of Victims Rights outlines 18 rights for victims of crime in NSW:

1. Courtesy, compassion and respect
A victim will be treated with courtesy, compassion, cultural sensitivity and respect for the victim's rights and dignity.

2. Information about services and remedies
A victim will be informed at the earliest practical opportunity, by relevant agencies and officials, of the services and remedies available to the victim.

3. Access to services
A victim will have access where necessary to available welfare, health, counselling and legal assistance responsive to the victim's needs.

4. Information about investigation of the crime
A victim will, on request, be informed of the progress of the investigation of the crime, unless the disclosure might jeopardise the investigation. In that case, the victim will be informed accordingly.

5. Information about prosecution of accused

1. A victim will be informed in a timely manner of the following:
   1. the charges laid against the accused or the reasons for not laying charges,
   2. any decision of the prosecution to modify or not to proceed with charges laid against the accused, including any decision to accept a plea of guilty by the accused to a less serious charge in return for a full discharge with respect to the other charges,
   3. the date and place of hearing of any charge laid against the accused,
   4. the outcome of the criminal proceedings against the accused (including proceedings on appeal) and the sentence (if any) imposed.
2. A victim should be consulted before a decision referred to in paragraph (b) above is taken if the accused has been charged with a serious crime that involves sexual violence or that results in actual bodily harm or psychological or psychiatric harm to the victim, unless:
   1. the victim has indicated that he or she does not wish to be so consulted, or
   2. the whereabouts of the victim cannot be ascertained after reasonable inquiry.

6. Information about trial process and role as witness
A victim who is a witness in the trial for the crime will be informed about the trial process and the role of the victim as a witness in the prosecution of the accused.

7. Protection from contact with accused
A victim will be protected from unnecessary contact with the accused and defence witnesses during the course of court proceedings.

8. Protection of identity of victim
A victim's residential address and telephone number will not be disclosed unless a court otherwise directs.

9. Attendance at preliminary hearings
A victim will be relieved from appearing at preliminary hearings or committal hearings unless the court otherwise directs.

10. Return of property of victim held by State
If any property of a victim is held by the State for the purpose of investigation or evidence, the inconvenience to the victim will be minimised and the property returned promptly.

11. Protection from accused
A victim's need or perceived need for protection should be put before a bail authority by the prosecutor in any bail application by the accused.

12. Information about special bail conditions
A victim will be informed about any special bail conditions imposed on the accused that are designed to protect the victim or the victim's family.

13. Information about outcome of bail application
A victim will be informed of the outcome of a bail application if the accused has been charged with sexual assault or other serious personal violence.

14. Victim impact statement
A relevant victim will have access to information and assistance for the preparation of any victim impact statement authorised by law to ensure that the full effect of the crime on the victim is placed before the court.

15. Information about impending release, escape or eligibility for absence from custody
A victim will, on request, be kept informed of the offender's impending release or escape from custody, or of any change in security classification that results in the offender being eligible for unescorted absence from custody.

16. Submissions on parole and eligibility for absence from custody of serious offenders
A victim will, on request, be provided with the opportunity to make submissions concerning the granting of parole to a serious offender or any change in security classification that would result in a serious offender being eligible for unescorted absence from custody.

17. Compensation for victims of personal violence
A victim of a crime involving sexual or other serious personal violence is entitled to make a claim under a statutory scheme for victims' compensation.

18. Information about complaint procedure where Charter is breached
A victim may make a complaint about a breach of the Charter and will, on request, be provided with information on the procedure for making such a complaint.

More information about victims' rights

What can victims of crime expect from NSW Police Force?

When interacting with victims of crime, NSW Police Force employees will:

• comply with the Charter of Victims Rights
• comply with our customer expectations, that is for police:
  • to be easy to engage
  • to act with empathy
  • to communicate; and
  • to be efficient
• be victim centric
• use interpreters and support persons where necessary; and
• provide victims who report face-to-face to police with a Victim Card

Victims' cards contain the name and phone number of the Officer in Charge of the matter, and the COPS Event Number. The card also includes contact details for the Victims Access Line and information about the Charter of Victims Rights.