Facilitating problem- and emotion-focused coping in victims of burglary: evaluating a police crisis intervention program

The impact of a police crisis intervention program on problem- and emotion- focused coping with burglary victims was assessed. Major program components included: conducting a criminal investigation in the victim's home, providing oral and written crime prevention information, and performing a security check. All participating police officers were trained in utilizing interview techniques facilitating emotion- and problem-focused coping with the event. Results suggested that the program actually facilitated coping with the event: Victims' perceived police protection against crime was enhanced; concern about crime was reduced; while preventive cognitions, prevention awareness and responsibility, and preventive intentions were strengthened and more extreme preventive options were generally rejected. Criminal investigations per se, however, may backfire and hamper coping processes. Several implications for future studies on victim intervention programs are discussed.