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Victims’ Rights Compliance Initiative

The Governor’s Office of Crime Control and Prevention and the Maryland State Board of Victim Services understands that crime victims often feel frustrated and overwhelmed by the criminal justice system, particularly if they believe their rights may have been violated. If you are a crime victim, you are legally entitled to rights and services provided by Maryland agencies.

Victims’ Rights Compliance Line

Compliance Line: 410-697-9338 (GOCCP main line)

This is not a hotline. If you need emergency assistance, dial 911. Messages may be left 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

When calling, please leave the following information:

  1. Your name and address
  2. A telephone number
  3. A brief description of your concerns

Our primary concern for crime victims in Maryland is to ensure that they are treated fairly by the criminal justice system. The Compliance Initiative provides victims of crime with direct access to assistance through our toll-free Compliance Line. As a victim of crime, you are given a unique opportunity to voice your concerns. If you feel your rights have been violated or if you have been mistreated by the criminal justice system please submit a report. The Governor’s Office of Crime Control and Prevention and the Maryland State Board of Victim Services employ a Victim Services Coordinator who promotes compliance with victim rights laws. The Coordinator also works with the criminal justice system as a resource to ensure that victims’ rights laws are upheld at every stage of the process.The Victim Services Coordinator will return your call to discuss your concerns. The matter will then be evaluated by the Coordinator and a determination will be made regarding the need for further action. If a resolution cannot be reached, the Victim Services Coordinator will consult with the Executive Director of Governor’s Office of Crime Control and Prevention (and legal counsel) to determine the appropriate remedy for the rights violation.

What the Victim Services Coordinator can do for you

  • Provide information about procedures and practices of the criminal justice system.
  • Explain victims’ rights laws as they relate to the criminal justice system.
  • Provide referrals to criminal justice agencies and service organizations.
  • Promote victim participation in the justice process.
  • Conduct a Compliance Investigation to determine if there has been a violation and/or mistreatment of a victim.
  • Present potential compliance violations to the Victims’ Rights Compliance Review Committee and/or the Maryland State Board of Victim Services.
  • Recommend fair and appropriate resolutions to complaints.
  • Assist agencies in performing mandated victims’ rights duties by providing support and technical assistance.

Scope and limitations

  • The Victim Services Coordinator is not an attorney and cannot give legal advice.
  • The Victim Services Coordinator has no authority to interfere with a criminal investigation or to review decisions about how or whether to proceed with a case.
  • Although victims may choose to take other actions, please note that neither the Coordinator nor the Maryland State Board of Victim Services has the authority to change the outcome of court proceedings and other criminal justice decisions.