Training Module on the Right to Mental Health for the Security Sector o Without further frightening the victim, they should inform them of the possibility that emotional delayed reactions may occur over the next few days and, importantly, new memories of the crime may emerge, in which case officers want them to feel confident enough in them that they will be willing to call them with such additional information. o Indeed, victims themselves say they would like officers to make the first move in encouraging further contact with law enforcement, since victims often feel embarrassed or intimidated to call on their own; some don’t want to be seen as a pest. • Being referred to community services. o Finally, victims are frightened, confused, and in pain, and most of them understand that there is a limit to what the responding officer can do in their law enforcement role. o Victims want information about community services and other agencies that are set up for crime victim assistance. o Taking the time to ensure that the victim knows what comes next and what to do about it can be a positive step in the direction of improved police-victim and police-community relationships. ON-SCENE CRISIS INTERVENTION The responder is confronted with a victim whose emotional behavior may run the scope from numbed unresponsiveness to raw panic. A frequent practical task of the first responder is to obtain as much information as possible from the victim about the crime itself in order to maximize the possibility of apprehending the perpetrator(s), preventing further violence, and planning for aid to other potential victims. Balancing concern for victim welfare and the need to obtain detailed information is thus a delicate dance and requires some degree of interpersonal skill on the part of the interviewer. The following are some practical recommendations for first responders who have to deal with crime victims on-scene: • Introduce Yourself o As soon as you arrive, identify yourself by name and full title to the victim and bystanders. o Even if you are in uniform, have a picture ID tag, or behave as what’s expected from a police or military officer, the victim may be too distressed to understand who you are at first glance. o You may need to repeat the introduction several times. Remember that victims who are still in shock may respond to you as if you are the criminal, especially if you arrived quickly on the scene. 45