Police Urge Victims to Report Crimes Quickly from PJ.com

June 28, 2010

Police urge victims to report crimes quickly

Emily Stewart
Poughkeepsie Journal

In the wake of a violent crime, it may be difficult to remember details, or even have the wherewithal to call 911.

Contacting authorities immediately, filing a timely police report and relaying information in a clear, concise way makes it easier for law enforcement to track down the people responsible and bring closure for the victims.

The first thing to do if you’re a victim of a crime is to get through the incident without injury, said Detective Sgt. Matt Clark of the City of Poughkeepsie police.

Once safe, try to remember as much information as possible to give to police.

“Try and get a look at the people doing it,” he said.

Take note of what clothing they were wearing, what their faces looked like, what kind of car they drove and the license plate number, if possible. Also, what direction did they travel and what time did the crime happen?

Then, call 911 as soon as possible.

“Obviously, from our opinion, the sooner you call the police the better … while the information is still fresh in your mind,” Clark said.

“The sooner you call, the sooner we can get there and look for the people who did it. … The sooner you get the ball rolling,” he said.

Not everyone alerts authorities right away. Sometimes, enough time passes that the trail goes cold.

Even waiting several minutes can give an assailant enough time to get away.

“That does happen,” Clark said. “For whatever reason, they’ve waited so long that there’s no way we’re going to track people down or recover any evidence.”

Kathy Peluso, coordinator for the Family Services Crime Victims Assistance Program, said sometimes, particularly in instances of sexual assault, victims do not always remember all the information right away.

“A couple days later, you might remember this happened or that happened, especially when you’re drugged,” she said. “Victims might not be ready to file a police report right away. Or they might be afraid of retribution.

“It’s important for investigators to understand that,” she said.

The Crime Victims Assistance Program provides free counseling, accompaniment to court and police stations, assistance filing a claim with the state Crime Victims Board for compensation of medical bills, and emergency assistance to victims of serious crimes, according to its website.

Advocates are available 24 hours a day, through the program’s hotline, to accompany victims to police stations, court or other county agencies, Peluso said.

“People are sometimes afraid to file a police report,” she said. “We’re not lawyers, but we can provide as much information as possible. … Sometimes it helps just to have someone there. An advocate can help them understand what’s going to happen, what questions are going to be asked and try to keep them calm.”

The 24-hour crime victims hotline is 845-452-7272.

For more information on victims’ services and resources in Dutchess County, visit www.co.dutchess.ny.us/Community/14412.htm.

“Crime Beat,” which explores law enforcement issues and cases worked by police in the mid-Hudson Valley, appears each Monday. To suggest a topic, call 845-437-4834. Reach Emily Stewart at estewart@poughkeepsiejournal.com or 845-437-4882.