A Tribal Probation Officers Guide to Working with Victims

The work of tribal probation officers (TPOs) is essential in promoting individual and community safety. Victims and survivors are members of the tribal community whose lives are often irrevocably harmed and changed by crime. They are often called upon as witnesses for tribal and criminal justice proceedings, and can sometimes provide important information that is useful to both the case and to effective offender supervision in the community.

While victims are not the primary client for you as a tribal probation officer, you are in a unique position to provide them with critical information and link them with services. This bulletin is designed to provide TPOs with a brief overview of victims’ rights, tips to help coordinate and improve the delivery of victim services, and information about the varied services available to victims of crime.