Award Information
Description of original award (Fiscal Year 2019, $360,710)
The purpose of this award, funded under the OVC FY 2019 Law Enforcement-Based Victim Specialist Program, is to develop or enhance and sustain crime victim specialist programs within law enforcement agencies and better coordinate services to victims to more quickly and more effectively serve the victim assistance and compensation needs of all crime victims and inform them of their rights as crime victims.
The Overland Park Police Department (OPPD) will coordinate with Department leadership and outside agencies to implement a Model Victim Specialist Program to provide nonjudgmental, social, informational, and practical support to all crime victims and survivors in a manner that fosters safety, healing, and justice. Victim Specialist services will include: 1) providing emotional support and crisis intervention for victims of crime with an emphasis placed on domestic crimes; 2) contacting victims of violent crimes; 3) reviewing and assessing violent crime reports; 4) providing information; 5) maintaining statistical records of victim contacts; 6) assisting clients in filling out and filing protective orders; 7) exploring alternate means of compensation for damages incurred as a result of criminal behavior; and 8) coordinating and networking with outside crime victim advocacy programs.
CA/NCF