Victim Resources

Department Policy

The Tiverton Police Department recognizes that it must make every reasonable effort to ensure that the personal rights and safety of victims and witnesses are protected by its actions. Research findings over time and across jurisdictions consistently indicate that a major cause of case attrition after arrest, but before plea or trial, is witness-related problems. Similarly, research suggests that the probability of conviction increases markedly as the number of cooperative witnesses increases. If witnesses, including victims, are subjected to what they consider to be poor treatment, they can be expected to offer something less than wholehearted cooperation with the Department. This can have a devastating effect on investigations and subsequent prosecutions. Department members should be particularly sensitive to the special needs of the victims and families of crimes such as domestic violence, child abuse, sexual assault, and elderly abuse, because of their effect on the delicate structure of the family unit and the community in general. Therefore, it is the policy of the Tiverton Police Department to provide victims and witnesses with appropriate assistance based on the nature of their needs and promotes greater cooperation toward victim/witness assistance programs throughout the criminal justice community and among all segments of the Department’s service population.

Law Enforcement Advocate (LEA)

To support those victimized by domestic violence and/or sexual assault, The Tiverton Police Department has partnered with the Women’s Resource Center of Newport and Bristol County (WRCNBC) to provide free and confidential advocacy. The Law Enforcement Advocate (LEA), who is employed by WRCNBC through grant funding, offers crisis intervention, support, information, and resources according to each person’s individual needs.

Women’s Resource Center
624 Main St., Warren, RI 02885
Direct: 401-236-8358
WRCNBC Office: 401-846-5263
24 Hour Hotline: 800-236-8358
lwilliams@wrcnbc.org

*IN AN EMERGENCY REQUIRING IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE CALL 911*

For additional information, programs, and resources, including safety planning, you may also visit the Women’s Resource Center of Newport and Bristol County’s website at www.wrcnbc.org

RI VINE

Victim Information and Notification Everyday (VINE) is a free, anonymous, computer-assisted telephone service that provides offender custody information and notification of changes in offender custody status.

Click here for Rhode Island VINE Brochure

Day One

Day One is the only agency in Rhode Island that is specifically organized to deal with issues of sexual assault as a community concern. Day One provides treatment, intervention, education, advocacy, and prevention services to Rhode Islanders of all ages—from preschool children to elderly adults. Additionally, Day One advocates for public policy initiatives and systemic changes that positively impact how Rhode Island families handle sexual abuse cases.

Prosecution

Misdemeanor Cases– The prosecution of misdemeanor cases is handled by the Department Prosecution Officer and the Town Solicitor. The Prosecution Officer will notify victims/witnesses of the date and time of the suspect’s arraignment, as well as advise them of their rights to address the court at future court appearances. The Prosecution Officer is:

Detective Lieutenant Michael Barboza
Tiverton Police Department
20 Industrial Way, Tiverton, RI 02878
Office: 401-816-4425
Fax: 401-625-6721
mbarboza@tivertonpoliceri.com

Felony Cases– The prosecution of felony cases is handled by the Rhode Island Department of Attorney General. For information on a felony case, please contact:

Rhode Island Department of Attorney General
Murray Judicial Complex
45 Washington Square, Newport, RI 02840
Office: 401-841-8310
www.riag.ri.gov

The Rhode Island Attorney General’s Victim Services Unit provides an array of services to felony crime victims and their families and informs victims of their rights as guaranteed under the Rhode Island Constitution and the Victim’s Bill of Rights. For more information go to www.riag.ri.gov/CriminalUnit/VictimServicesUnit.php