VICTIMS HAVE RIGHTS

Attorney General Jay Nixon visited Cape Girardeau recently and had high praise for the city's efforts to implement victims' rights programs. It is gratifying to know that the Cape Girardeau Police Department is in the forefront of efforts to redress this long-ignored area of the law.

In Missouri, the cause of victims' rights received a huge boost with the 1992 passage by voters of the victims' rights initiative. The initiative was boosted statewide by Sarah Froemsdorf, widow of the late James Froemsdorf, a Perryville state trooper tragically murdered while on duty in 1985.

In the 1993 session that followed voter approval of the initiative, the General Assembly approved further implementing legislation to guarantee its terms. As a result, victims can take advantage of a number of rights that, amazingly had never before been clearly spelled out. Among them:

Victims may be present at all proceedings where the defendant has that right. Victims are, under the law, to be informed of all hearing dates, trial dates, continuances, final determinations and any releases, furloughs or pardons. The right to be informed by law enforcement officials of the availability of victim compensation assistance and crisis intervention assistance is also guaranteed. Victims have the right to be informed of parole hearings and to be heard or offer a written statement or through video or audio tape. Additional rights are afforded to both victims and witnesses upon written request. These include creditor intercession services for victims and reasonable police protection for victims and witnesses. Employers are prohibited from disciplining victims because of participation in court proceedings. Speedy appellate review is required.

Cape Girardeau police officials are to be commended for taking a pro-active approach to implementing the victims' rights laws. Their approach is a model. Other cities and counties across Missouri that haven't moved so swiftly to do the same should follow their lead.