Law Enforcement Officers

• § 19.2-368.17 of the Virginia Code states:
  Whenever a crime which directly resulted in personal physical injury to, or death of, an individual is reported within the time required by § 19.2-368.10, the law-enforcement agency to which the report is made shall make reasonable efforts, where practicable, to notify the victim or other potential claimant in writing on forms prepared by the Commission of his or her possible right to file a claim under this chapter.
  
  Translation: Officers are required to let victims of crime know about CICF!
  
  
• § 19.2-368.3(2) of the Virginia Code gives CICF the power to:
  …acquire from the attorneys for the Commonwealth, State Police, local police departments, sheriffs' departments, and the Chief Medical Examiner such investigative results, information and data as will enable the Commission to determine if, in fact, a crime was committed or attempted, and the extent, if any, to which the victim or claimant was responsible for his own injury… This information shall be confidential and shall not be disseminated further.
  
  Translation: Law enforcement agencies are required to submit investigative information to CICF upon request. Information submitted is confidential, and cannot be released even if CICF records are subpoenaed or if the victim requests copies.



• § 19.2-368.10(3) of the Virginia Code gives CICF the power to:
  Upon finding that the claimant or award recipient has not fully cooperated with all law enforcement agencies…deny, reduce, or withdraw any award, as the case may be.
  
  Translation: If victim is not cooperative with law enforcement efforts, their claim may be denied. We only know this is happening if you tell us! That’s why we ask a question about cooperation on the Police/Sheriff Report form (the “brown form”). You may also contact us and provide supplemental information after you have submitted the investigative information if the investigation changes or the victim becomes uncooperative.
  

Other things to remember:

CICF can make NO claims decisions without investigative information – police reports AND Police Sheriff Report forms should be submitted promptly to avoid claim delays. The Police/Sheriff Report form is available at our website at www.cicf.state.va.us

CICF will take reports and the Police/Sheriff Report Form via e-mail or fax as well as mail. Please do what works best for you.

CICF does need an SSN on the offender to pursue in collections if convicted. If you have this information, please provide it on the Police/Sheriff report form

The Fund will pay for crime scene clean-up. Please encourage potentially eligible individuals to contact CICF as soon as possible. CICF cannot cover costs related to suicide unless there was a hostage situation.

CICF cannot pay for property or motor vehicle accidents. CICF can pay for damaged or replaced locks, windows, and clothing and bedding taken as evidence.

CICF can pay for moving (up to $1,000) and reimburse temporary lodging expenses (up to three weeks).

CICF is an administrative process, not a criminal one. Your opinion is important to us! CICF makes decisions based on the Code and established case law.

If a claimant appeals the CICF decision, you may be called to testify in an administrative hearing. The CICF attorney will make every attempt to accommodate your schedule.

Most importantly, don’t hesitate to contact CICF staff with questions or concerns about a case at 1.800.552.4007 or email us at CICFmail@vwc.state.va.us .