Enhancing Law Enforcement Response to Victims: Using the ELERV Strategy to Build Bridges in Communities

This conference workshop presentation provides a brief overview of the Enhancing Law Enforcement Response to Victims (ELERV) Strategy, 2nd edition and accompanying resources with practical examples of ways the ELERV Strategy can be implemented across ranks and disciplines at any law enforcement agency provided by the Chief of Police and the Victim Services Director from the Chattanooga Police Department ELERV demonstration site. Law enforcement agencies are uniquely positioned to address victims' needs immediately after a crime. Recognizing that a call for service for law enforcement and victims is never a routine call. Agencies across the country are prioritizing victims' early access to information and supportive services, putting victims on the path to healing as soon as possible. The ELERV Strategy systematically illustrates how all personnel within a law enforcement agency, from recruits to executives to professional staff, can maximize the agency's ability to effectively respond to victims. The ELERV Strategy also recognizes that meeting the full spectrum of victims' needs requires the collaboration of many stakeholders and emphasizes the importance of establishing and maintaining strong community partnerships. Presenters also discuss ways implementation of the ELERV Strategy has impacted their agency's to positively respond to the new challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and attention being given to community-police engagement.