Mark J. Weiner

Mark J. Weiner is the Director of Victim Services for the Licking County Prosecutor’s Office in Ohio. Initially, he served as a volunteer (beginning in 1990) but after graduating college, he found himself working in the prosecutor’s office assisting crime victims, beginning with the Grand Jury process. His work to expand the program allowed him to reach out to victims through law enforcement at the time victims reported the crime. Local law enforcement came to rely on him, particularly the Licking County Crisis Team, which knew he was available for 24/7 assistance and advocacy for crime victims. 

Mr. Weiner was promoted in 1997, and he continues to serve both the prosecutor’s office and the sheriff’s office, working with victims involved in felony cases from the time the crime is reported to its final disposition. He and his team offer assistance with death notification, support at crime scenes, and education for the law enforcement community to improve their response and services to victims of crime. 

Applying his skills as a victim advocate at the state level, Mr. Weiner is also a co­coordinator of the Ohio Crisis Response Team, which responds to state crisis incidents. He has also responded to national incidents as a member of the NOVA National Crisis Response Team. He works diligently to ensure those impacted by crime in Ohio receive immediate, compassionate service and psychological first-aid to mitigate the trauma they may have suffered. 

For example, on May 12, 2017, a domestic violence offender arrived at the nursing home where his ex-girlfriend worked. After police arrived on scene, the offender shot and killed the police chief before breaking into the secure nursing home. Once inside, the offender shot and killed his ex-girlfriend and a nurse aide, before taking his own life. 

Mr. Weiner responded to the small jurisdiction of Kirkersville, immediately reaching out to his fellow advocates and Crisis Response Team members to provide assistance to the surviving family members, nursing home residents, and staff. He recognized the need for compassionate intervention with his law enforcement colleagues and made immediate arrangements for their debriefings and ongoing care. The trust in Mr. Weiner exhibited by these grieving officers and the family members of the deceased victims further exemplifies the skill and natural ability he shares to those in need.