LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS; INVESTIGATION; EXECUTIVE AGENCIES; CRIME VICTIMS;

CRIME VICTIMS;

Connecticut laws/regulations;

You asked if the Office of the Victim Advocate or any other entity is authorized to direct police how to pursue criminal investigations when crime victims believe they are pursuing wrong leads.

Based on our conversations with several police departments, it appears that there is no entity authorized to direct police how to pursue criminal investigations. Each department is solely responsible for determining how it conducts such investigations. But, anyone dissatisfied with how police are investigating a crime may contact the state’s attorney with jurisdiction in the area where the crime took place. This does not guarantee that the state’s attorney will take any action.

The Office of the Victim Advocate does not play any role in police investigations. Its statutory duty is to:

1. evaluate the victim services delivery system, including services provided by state agencies;

2. coordinate and cooperate with other agencies concerned with implementing, monitoring, and enforcing victims' constitutional rights;

3. enter cooperative agreements with other agencies to further these rights;

4. review service providers’ procedures concerning victims' constitutional rights;

5. receive and review complaints against victim service providers and conduct investigations when a victim or his family appears to need assistance;

6. file a limited special appearance in any court proceeding for the purpose of advocating for any right guaranteed by the state constitution or provided by statutes to crime victims;

7. ensure a central place for victim services information;

8. recommend changes in state policies concerning victims, including changes in the service delivery system;

9. conduct public education programs, undertake legislative advocacy, and make proposals for systematic reform;

10. take appropriate steps to advise the public of its services, purpose, and contact procedures; and

11. monitor the provision of protective services to witnesses by the chief state’s attorney (CGS § 46a-13c).

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