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6. Place the appropriate charges against the suspect if probable cause exists; and
7. Contact the Major Crimes Division commander to assess utilization of the State Police Witness
Protection Program. [55.2.2]
E. Transportation [55.2.4(c)]
1. If, while investigating a criminal offense, the officer is requested by a victim and/or witness to
provide transportation, the officer will first determine if the person has friends or relatives locally
that can be contacted to provide transportation or if the person has funds to utilize public
transportation.
2. If all alternatives fail, the officer shall be permitted to transport the subject if authorized by their
immediate supervisor.
F. Follow-up Investigation
1. All employees will maintain professional conduct and make reasonable attempts to keep victims
and witnesses engaged in the investigation so, ultimately, they cooperate with prosecutorial efforts.
2. The case agent conducting a follow-up investigation will attempt to make initial contact with
victims/witnesses within three (3) working days of case assignment and to return communications
in a reasonable amount of time.
3. As part of a follow-up investigation, if it is determined that the impact of a crime on a
victim/witness is traumatic or severe enough that additional services may be necessary, the
assigned case agent or a victim advocate should re-contact them to ensure that they can access
appropriate victim services. [55.2.4(a)]
4. When feasible, any scheduling of line-ups, interviews, or other required appearances should be
arranged at the victim/witness's convenience. [55.2.4(c)]
5. During a follow-up investigation, the case agent will communicate with the Commonwealth's
Attorney's Office and exchange information as the investigation progresses. [55.1.1(d)]
6. Upon the arrest of the suspect, notification to the victim will occur. Notification is typically made
through the Commonwealth Attorney's Office (via the Victim/Witness Program staff, a
Commonwealth attorney, an investigator, or a subpoena service). Any additional services deemed
appropriate, such as the Department of Correction's Victim Notification Program and VINE, are
offered during this notification. The assigned case agent should work collaboratively with the
Victim/Witness Program staff and follow up with victims/witnesses as needed. [55.2.5]
NOTE: In serious violent crimes or in cases where the suspect has threatened bodily harm to the
victim and/or witnesses, the case agent, in conjunction with the Newport News
Victim/Witness Program, will ensure the victim and witnesses are notified if they learn
the suspect has been or is about to be released from jail. [55.2.2; 55.2.5]
7. When property belonging to a victim has been recovered or seized as evidence, the case agent will
review the evidence with the Commonwealth's Attorney's Office and determine the necessity for
maintaining custody of the property until an arrest is made or the case is disposed of in court.
a. If the Commonwealth's Attorney's Office or the Department determines the property is
necessary for the court, it will remain in the custody of the Department's Property and Evidence
Unit. However, if the property is not required for court, it will be photographed and promptly
returned to the victim. [55.2.4(d)]
b. The officer will maintain all property photographs with the investigative case folder.
8. Before a scheduled court proceeding, the Commonwealth Attorney’s office should attempt to
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