Victim/Witness Assistance Program
We take great pride in keeping the Prince George's County parks and recreation system safe and secure for all patrons, but unfortunately bad things sometimes happen to good people. Becoming an innocent victim of, or witness to, a crime or incident requiring police assistance can be an intimidating and frightening experience. We hope the response you have received so far from the Maryland-National Capital Park Police has been helpful.
The Victim/Witness Assistance Program is designed to provide guidance and assistance as you move through the judicial process. We want you to be aware of your rights and the services available to you. The Victim/Witness Assistance Coordinator will provide you with information, referrals, and professional support during your involvement with the criminal justice process.
For more information about how we can help you, call the Victim/Witness Assistance Coordinator at 301-731-2604, TTY 301- 459-3051. Or, contact us using e-mail at vwap@pgparks.com. You may also write to the coordinator of the Victim/Witness Assistance Program, Maryland-National Capital Park Police, 6700 Riverdale Road, Riverdale, MD 20737.
Our Promise to You
The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission and the Maryland-National Capital Park Police are committed to serving people with disabilities. If you need assistance to participate in the program, please let us know.
What We Can Do for You
As a crime victim or witness, you may become involved in the judicial process. Sometimes investigations and court procedures seem slow, misleading, overwhelming, or frustrating to people who are unfamiliar with the intricate process. The staff of the Victim/Witness Assistance Program will explain the processes and procedures you may encounter. We are here to answer your questions.
Your Rights
The Criminal Justice Process
After You Report a Crime
The court commissioner will decide if there is enough evidence—known as "probable cause"—to charge the suspect with the crime, and on what conditions the suspect could be released until a hearing is held before a judge.
If the suspect is held in custody after the commissioner hearing, he or she will be entitled to a bail hearing before a judge. The judge will then decide whether to release the suspect or keep him or her in jail until a trial is held. A defendant can only be detained if the facts show the defendant is a danger to the community and/or there is a risk that he or she will not show up for the trial. Most suspects are released on bail.
The prosecutor will review the available information, including information provided by the police and the commissioner, and determine on what charges the suspect should be prosecuted. In more serious cases, the prosecutor may use a grand jury to make these decisions.
In serious cases a suspect has the right to ask the judge for a preliminary hearing. At this hearing, the judge will decide if there is enough evidence or probable cause to continue with the charges against the suspect.
If the prosecutor proceeds with the case, a trial date will be set by the court. Due to crowded court dockets, the case may take several months to come to trial. The prosecutor will notify the victim and key witnesses when it is time to prepare for trial.
Your Rights Before the Trial
Once a suspect, now called the defendant, is charged with a crime, the defendant's attorney will try to discover information which will help prepare his or her case. The attorney can ask for, and generally receive, the names and addresses of witnesses involved in the case. Victims and witnesses are not required to talk to the defendant's attorney or representative.
If a defendant threatens you, or interferes with you in any way, call the police. If you are acting as a witness for the prosecution and your safety has been threatened as a result, contact the State's Attorney and the Maryland-National Capital Park Police immediately. It is a crime for a defendant to do anything to stop you from testifying at the trial. Victim/witness protection resources may be available to increase your protection and allow your continued participation in court proceedings.
Before the trial, the defendant may be required to appear at court hearings. As a victim, you have the right to attend these hearings, the trial, and any related hearings or proceedings. You may ask the prosecutor to notify you any time you should attend. The judge may grant several continuances, or delays, at the request of the defense or the prosecution. Even though this can be frustrating, it is important that you continue to appear in court when asked to do so.
During the Trial
After the Trial
If you were victimized by someone under the age of 18, the offender is considered a juvenile. Your case will be handled differently than if the offender is an adult. The main difference is an emphasis on rehabilitation instead of punishment. Juveniles are not convicted of crimes, but are found to be delinquent. Their records are not made available to the public.
At the sentencing hearing, the victim or victim's representative may address the court to describe the impact of the crime. In cases resulting in serious physical injury or death, the court must consider a victim's or the victim's representative's written impact statement describing the effects of the crime on the victim. A written impact statement provides a victim or surviving family members an opportunity to tell the court about the emotional, physical, and financial impact of the crime. A victim also has the right to request restitution. The State's Attorney will help you make this request to the judge.
After Sentencing
A victim also has the right to be notified of any additional hearings related to the defendant's sentence or release from a correctional facility. If you ask to be notified about these things, the State's Attorney will forward your request to the correct criminal justice agency for future notification.
Criminal Injuries Compensation Board
Help Throughout the Process
Safety Tips and Help for Specific Crimes
The Victim/Witness Assistance Program will provide professional, courteous service to everyone. Victims and witnesses who participate in this program will receive prompt service and reliable information. We will inform you of your rights, and review the resources available through various Prince George's County and State of Maryland agencies. Everyone will be treated professionally and courteously without regard to race, religion, ethnicity, socio-economic background, sexual orientation, or disability.
Under the Maryland Constitution and state law and guidelines, a victim of crime must be treated with dignity, respect, and sensitivity during all phases of the criminal justice process.
The police will investigate the crime, and obtain information from the victim and any witnesses. If the police arrest a suspect, he or she will be taken before a court commissioner. Information regarding the case will be provided to the local prosecutor, also called the State's Attorney.
As a victim or witness, you may request that your address and phone number remain confidential and not be released by the judge, State's Attorney, police, District Court commissioner, or juvenile intake officer.
A victim has the right to be present at the trial. You may request that your address and phone number remain confidential and not be released. The prosecutor can help you prepare for the trial by telling you what questions he or she will ask, and what questions to expect from the defendant's attorney.
If the defendant is found guilty, the judge will hold a sentencing hearing. The judge has several options, including jail or prison time, probation, payment of fines or restitution, or a combination of these. Probation is the most frequently given sentence.
After the trial is over, a victim may have the right to have stolen or other property returned once the case in finished. The State's Attorney will help you retrieve your property.
The State of Maryland's Criminal Injuries Compensation Board was established to provide financial assistance to Maryland's crime victims when no other resources are available. You may be eligible to be reimbursed for your medical, mental health, and/or funeral expenses, and/or lost income resulting from a crime. The Criminal Injuries Compensation Board operates under the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services. For assistance with filing for reimbursement, please contact the Victim/Witness Assistance Coordinator.
Throughout the justice process, you may experience physical, emotional, or psychological distress as a result of being a victim. This is a normal reaction, and help is available to you. Please contact the Victim/Witness Assistance Coordinator for referrals to appropriate support services.
Maryland-National Capital Park Police
Prince George's County, Maryland
6700 Riverdale Road, Riverdale, MD 20737
301-731-2604, TTY 301-459-3051,
FAX 301-459-5877
e-mail: vwap@pgparks.com
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The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George's County |