[Adopted 6-16-1987]
The Victim/Witness Program of the York County District Attorney's Office was established in 1987 through funds provided by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD).
The philosophy of the program is based on the belief that innocent victims and witnesses should be treated with dignity, compassion and respect in the aftermath of crime.
The principal responsibilities of the Victim/Witness staff are as follows:
A. 
To provide information to victims and witnesses concerning their cases, the criminal justice system, courtroom procedures and offender release from county prison.
B. 
To act as a liaison for victims and witnesses with prosecutors, law enforcement, victim services and social service agencies.
C. 
To provide assistance to victims in seeking crime victims' compensation and/or restitution and with pursuing the violation of a protection from abuse order.
D. 
To ensure that victims are made aware of their legislative rights throughout the criminal justice process, including their opportunity to provide input into decisions about case disposition, sentencing and offender release.
E. 
To provide emotional support and referral for additional services and counseling.
The Department is currently comprised of five full-time staff members, as follows: Program Manager, Coordinator, Associate Coordinator, secretary/receptionist and Clerk/typist.
A. 
The county general fund provides approximately 31% of operational expenses, with the remainder coming from the PCCD Act 96 grant.
B. 
The program is overseen by PCCD's Victim Services Division and is guided by the Victim/Witness Assistance Programs Standards and Procedures Manual.