Know Your Rights: A Guide for Victims and Witnesses of Crime

Your Rights

Under 34United States Code § 20141, victims have these rights:

1. The right to be informed of the place where they may receive medical and social services.
2. The right to be informed of public and private programs that are available for counseling, treatment, and other support services.
3. The right to receive reasonable protection from a suspected offender and persons acting in concert with or at the behest of the suspected offender.
4. The right to know the status of the investigation of the crime to the extent it is appropriate and will not interfere with the investigation.
5. The right to notification regarding the arrest of a suspected offender.
6. The right to have any property that is being held for evidentiary purposes maintained in good condition and returned as soon as it is no longer needed for evidentiary purposes.

As federal law enforcement professionals, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service considers it part of our job to address issues or concerns experienced by victims and witnesses of crime. We know that, as a victim or witness, you may feel anger, frustration, or fear as the result of a criminal act.

We have prepared this information to help you deal with problems and questions that may surface during an investigation and to provide you with a better understanding of the criminal justice system. We have included information and services available to you as a victim or witness.

We hope this information will be helpful. We encourage you to contact the postal inspector handling your case or the designated Postal Inspection Service representative if you have further questions.