Dear Friend,

The primary mission of the West Palm Beach Police Department is to ensure the safety and well being of the citizens of West Palm Beach. Some ways we achieve this is through the support of law enforcement, and community outreach to victims and their families.

In keeping with our mission, my office has established a Victim Services Program that provides assistance, information and support to victims of crime. These services are administered with respect, compassion and confidentiality to those who are or have been victims.

We recognize the need to protect victims and their families with personalized assistance when crimes occur. The West Palm Beach Police Department has joined with a number of area organizations to offer resources. This pamphlet gives a brief list of resources . To learn more about the resources in our community please call the Victim Services Program.

Sincerely,
Chief Delsa Bush

CRIMINAL JUSTICE PROCESS

1. Crime Committed - After a crime is reported to law enforcement an investigation will be conducted. If law enforcement is able to collect enough evidence, they may make an arrest.
   
   
2. Arrest – Suspect (s) taken to jail, fingerprinted and photographed. Some are immediately released or have to post a bond to ensure they will show up in court. Or… Intake – Victim reports a crime to the local State Attorney’s Office. If probable cause is found, the State Attorney’s Office may choose to file charges and summons the suspect into court.
   
   
3. First Appearance - Occurs within 24 hours of an arrest. Each suspect kept in jail must appear before a Judge who establishes whether charges are reasonable. The Judge will also consider whether a bond should be set and if so how much. The Judge will also consider conditions of release and appoint a defense attorney if the suspect cannot afford one.
   
   
4. Filing of Formal Charges – The State Attorney’s Office may file formal charges after reviewing law enforcement arrest reports, and within 21 days in certain circumstances.
   
   
5. Arraignment – The accused is formally charged and enters a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
   
   
6. Trail Preparations – The prosecutor and defense attorney interview witnesses and exchange evidence in preparation for trial.
   
   
7. Trial - The prosecutor presents evidence to either the judge or a jury about the case. The defendant may be found guilty or not guilty. The process ends if the defendant is found not guilty.
   
   
8. Plea – Defendant pleads guilty or no contest without a trial.
   
   
9. Sentencing – If the defendant is found guilty, the Judge reviews sentencing guidelines, plea agreements, etc., and determines what type of sentence the defendant should receive.

VICTIM’S RIGHTS

A Victim is a person whom a crime was committed against. Some victims suffer physical injury, property damage, psychological injury or a combination of both. Victim’s have certain rights in Florida, some of those are included below:

To be informed, to be present, and to be heard when relevant, at all crucial stages of the criminal or juvenile proceeding, to the extent that right does not interfere with the constitutional rights of the accused.

The right to be notified of the arrest and release of the offender, including release to community control and/or work release. In order to be notified in a timely manner, always make sure the West Palm Beach Police Department has your current contact information.

To be provided information concerning services available including Victim Compensation, community-based treatment programs, crisis intervention services, counseling & social services.

To have a Victim Advocate present during any depositions of the victim.

To request, for specific crimes, an exemption prohibiting the disclosure of information to the public which reveals your identification.

To receive a complete copy of your rights as a victim or witness, contact Shelley Parker at the West Palm Beach Police Department at (561) 822-1624.

HOW CAN WE HELP YOU ?

Crisis Counseling – In person crisis intervention, emotional support and guidance counseling. This may be provided at the scene of a crime, immediately after a crime, or on an on-going basis.

Case Follow up - In person contact via the telephone, written communication or home visit to offer victim emotional support, provide empathic listening, and to check on a victim’s progress.

Resource & Referral - Working with victims to identify their individual needs after the crime and providing them with information on available resources in the community.

Criminal Justice Support - We offer support, assistance and advocacy to the victim at any stage of the criminal process.

Victim Compensation Assistance - We provide information about the availability of crime victim compensation, assistance in completing the received forms, gathering the needed documentation and providing follow up with the Office of the Attorney General on behalf of the victim.

Contact:
WPBPD Victim Services Program

RESOURCES

Center for Information & Crisis
211

PBC Victim Services
(561) 355-2418

Legal Aid Society
(561) 655-8944

Homeless Outreach
(561) 963-3396

Area Agency on Aging
(561) 684-5888

Coalition for Independent Living Options
(561) 966-4288

YWCA of PBC Florida, Inc.
Harmony House
(561) 640-9844