Victim & Witness Coordinator
NAVCONBRIG Miramar
COMM: 858-307-7018
DSN: 307-7018
Introduction
Victims and witnesses have the right to be treated with fairness and respect for their dignity, privacy, and to be reasonably protected from the offender. The impact of crimes is devastating to innocent victims, witnesses, and their families.
Policy
When an offender is sentenced to confinement by a court-martial, trial counsel must inform the victims and prosecution witnesses of their notification rights by using a DD 2704 VICTIM/WITNESS CERTIFICATION AND ELECTION CONCERNING PRISONER STATUS. The trial counsel is required to forward the DD 2704 to the confining brig at the same time the prisoner is brought to the brig in all cases where confinement is adjudged. Victims and witnesses are responsible for notifying the Brig’s Victim & Witness Coordinator (VWC) of any subsequent change in their address or phone number.
The Brig’s Victim and Witness Assistance Program (VWAP) applies to prisoners of all military services confined in this location. Navy policy is to enhance the role of victims and witnesses in the military criminal justice system and to ensure all victims and witness are treated with sensitivity, fairness, and respect. Identity or location data of a victim or witness must not be disclosed to the prisoner or any third party at any time.
The brig’s VWC will make contact with victims and witnesses notifying them of changes in the prisoner’s status (initial confinement, clemency and parole hearings (if the prisoner is eligible), release dates, permanent transfer, etc.)
As provided for by Federal law, a crime victim has the right to:
- Be Treated with fairness and respect for the victim's dignity and privacy
- Be reasonably protected from the accused offender
- Be notified of court proceedings
- Be present at all public court proceedings related to the offense, unless the court determines testimony by the victim would be materially affected if the victim heard other testimony at trial.
- Confer with the attorney for the Government in the case
- Receive available restitution
- Be provided information about the conviction, sentencing, imprisonment, and release of the offender
The Role of a Victim Witness Coordinator in Corrections
The brig’s VWC serves as the point of contact for all victim and prosecution witness assistance questions within NAVCONBRIG Miramar and is the subject matter expert on the program, services, laws, and policies.
Information - Web Sites
The Department of the Navy understands the impact of crime and the devastation to innocent victims, witnesses and their families. We have provided some information links below to assist you:
U.S. Department of Justice / Office of Justice Programs
810 Seventh St. N.W., Washington, D.C. 20531
U.S. Department of Justice Response Center
1-800-421-6770
For a copy of "A Guide for Survivors and Their Families"
Contact the Department of Justice @ 1-202-514-7130
Know your RIGHTS as a Victim
"The Victims' Rights and Restitution Act"
Title 42 U.S.C. 10606, Sec. 502
To learn more about Sex Offender Laws and Statutes, visit The Library of Congress on the web, search for Public Law 109-248, Adam Walsh Child Protection & Safety Act.