Fredericton Police Force Victim Witness Services

The Victim Witness Section is staffed by two full time counselling professionals and has a Volunteer Program consisting of 15 to 25 volunteers.  The Victim Witness Section is also a recognized training site for Counselling and Social Work Interns. Working together with the Police, the professional staff, trained volunteers, and interns provide support services to victims and witnesses.

Victims and witnesses, along with their families and the communities in which they live, are negatively affected by crime and other tragic events. Victims can experience physical injury, financial loss, and emotional trauma. Exposure to critical incidents undermines our sense of well-being and security, leaving victims and witnesses vulnerable, frightened, and often angry.  In addition, the process and procedures of the Criminal Justice System may seem confusing or overwhelming.

The Victim Witness Section is a special unit established to address the needs of victims and witnesses of crime and to ensure their right to information and to fair and sensitive treatment. The program functions to ensure that victims can receive the support, information, and practical assistance they need to report crimes, to recover from the effects of being victimized, to prevent re-victimization, and to participate fully in the judicial process.

The following services are available:

Crisis Intervention Service 
 
Victim Witness staff and trained Volunteers respond to a crime scene or other traumatic incident to offer immediate support. The FPF Police Chaplain is also available for people experiencing trauma and loss. These services are dispatched through the Fredericton Police Force Telecommunications Center.  
 
Emotional Support and Counselling Services  
 
As trained professionals, Victim Witness staff can provide short-term counselling. Victim Witness Volunteers are trained paraprofessionals who understand the trauma of victimization and are available to discuss your concerns and provide you with timely support.  
 
Information & Referral Service  
 
Staff and volunteers are knowledgeable regarding the range of support programs and professional resources available within the community that may be required by the victim.  
 
Criminal Justice System and Police Procedures  
 
Most of us are not familiar with how the Police and the Criminal Justice System function. We will explain the process and outline the steps involved in the investigation and prosecution of the accused. You are entitled to know the outcome of the Police investigation and Victim Witness staff can keep you up to date on the status of your case. If you require court preparation and accompaniment, we will arrange that as well.  
 
Victim of Crime Assistance  
 
If you have suffered injury or loss as a result of crime, you may be eligible for compensation. We can direct you to the appropriate agency.