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Officially, a victims assistance officer will help coordinate logistics and reimbursements in the wake of a homicide. But families say that rarely happens so they often take it upon themselves to investigate the crime.
A lack of communication between law enforcement and families of victims is not a new issue, and it’s not unique to Philadelphia, victims services experts said. It represents a widespread reluctance to invest in adequate care for victims.
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In Philly, homicide detectives can be difficult to reach, causing families anguish and leading some to take matters into their own hands.