The VRA Subcommittee Review Process - What to Expect

Q: Who will be present during the meeting?

A: There are 7 VRA Subcommittee members and 3 staff members from the Division of Criminal Justice that
usually attend the meeting. The victim and individuals from the agency named in the complaint may also be
present.
Q: How will I know who everyone is at the meeting?
A: The VRA Subcommittee members and the staff members from DCJ will introduce themselves and you will
have the opportunity to introduce yourself.
Q: What materials do the VRA Subcommittee members have to review?
A: Prior to the meeting the VRA Subcommittee members spend a considerable amount of time reviewing the
following information: the VRA complaint form and any other documents submitted by the person who
submitted the complaint, the police report (if relevant), the request for information that was sent to the agency
named in the allegation, the response from the agency with any documents the agency included in the
response, a final statement from the person making the complaint (optional), and a summary of the complaint
written by the VRA Specialist which includes the allegations and the relevant statutes from the Victim Rights
Act.
Q: What happens during the review of the complaint?
A: The VRA Subcommittee members will discuss each of the allegations based upon the information they
reviewed prior to the meeting. One of the Subcommittee members will make a formal motion regarding the
allegation. Another member will second the motion and then all Subcommittee members will vote in favor or
against the motion.
Q: Can a victim or an individual from an agency address the VRA Subcommittee during the review?
A: Neither the victim nor the individual from the agency may address the VRA Subcommittee during the review.
The VRA Subcommittee is aware that it may feel awkward to have the complaint discussed in front of you, but
the process has been set up to be a paper review of information relevant to the complaint. It is not considered
a hearing, which is why individuals are not provided the opportunity to speak.
Q: What happens after the vote(s) on the allegation(s)?
A: If the Subcommittee determined that there is a Basis in Fact for the allegation(s), and the agency was in
violation of the VRA, the VRA Subcommittee will decide what steps the agency should take to comply with the
VRA in the future. This could include submission of policies for the Subcommittee to review or VRA training.
Q: Can I ask questions after the VRA Subcommittee has reviewed the complaint?
A: The Chair or Vice Chair of the VRA Subcommittee will ask if you have any questions about the review
process. Questions regarding the discussion of the case are not typically answered.
Q: Do I receive anything in writing after the VRA Subcommittee reviews my complaint?
A: The VRA Specialist will write up and send the person who made the complaint and the agency a copy of
the findings of the VRA Subcommittee.