State Compensation Program for Victims of Crime

“Bureaucratic Bungling Hurts Victims of Crime,” by Andrew M. Gloger and Lawrence J. McQuillan (Commentary, Feb. 13), painted a very unfair and inaccurate picture of the state’s Victim Compensation Program, which in the last few years has streamlined its application from a 12-page booklet to a one-page, double-sided form attached to the program’s brochure; reduced a backlog of 35,000 claims; and dramatically sped up payments to crime victims. As a result of including the voices of crime victims and their advocates within what was an overly bureaucratic system, more crime victims than ever before are receiving needed services. Despite the authors’ assertion, crime victims have and always will be paid.

When the Victim Compensation Program receives $44 million that is overdue from the federal government within the next month, it will be financially sound throughout this fiscal year. Already the board has reduced its staff by 13%, while at the same time ensuring that victims receive payment in a more timely way. That’s why the head of the National Assn. of Crime Victim Compensation Boards recently described our program as a “model that continues to lead the nation in helping victims of violence.”

Kelly J. Brodie

Executive Officer

Victim Compensation

and Government Claims

Board, Sacramento