From
Fred Bates, Jr.
Title
Resolution supporting the two-year continuation of the Police Department's Victim Assistance Program grant in the amount of $298,152
Presenter
Steve Dye, Chief of Police
Recommended Action
Approve
Analysis
The Police Department is interested in applying to the Criminal Justice Division (CJD) of the Governor’s Office for a two-year continuation grant for the Victim Assistance Program, which consists of two full-time Crime Victim Services Coordinators.
The Crime Victim Services Coordinators continue to plan, coordinate, and administer the Victim Assistance Program by recruiting, training, and supervising volunteers and interns; providing personal advocacy for crime victims and their families; planning, implementing, and monitoring new programs pertaining to victim outreach; court accompaniment and interfacing with law enforcement personnel, prosecutors, and others on behalf of victims; assisting victims in securing Crime Victims Compensation benefits; providing community education programs; and participating as a member of the Coalition of Crime Victim Services, Law Enforcement Victim Assistance, and Grand Prairie Human Services Coalition.
In 2015, the Victims Assistance Unit provided services in the following categories; Crisis Counseling (26), Information / Referrals in Person (744), Justice Support Advocacy (744), Emergency Legal Assistance (183), Assistance in Filing Compensation Claims (744), and Personal Advocacy (313).
The Grand Prairie Police Department’s Victims Assistance Unit provides a valuable service to community members in assisting crime victims in navigating the legal process, as well as offering assistance to survivors in the healing and recovery process.
The Public Safety, Health and Environment Committee reviewed this item on February 1, 2016, and recommended that it be forwarded to City Council for approval.
Financial Consideration
The grant period begins October 1, 2016 and ends September 30,...
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