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Police
Victims Assistance
Program
In 1990, due to new laws and a
need, the Cañon City Police Department developed a part-time
position for a Victim Assistance Coordinator. Today, the
Coordinator's position is funded full-time, through the city's
budget and grants.
T he Victim Assistance Program is
composed of a full-time Coordinator as well as Volunteer Victim
Advocates. They provide crime victims with:
- Crisis intervention
- Information on Victims' Rights
- Referrals and assistance in filing
Victims' Compensation claims
- Individual and family emotional
support
- Information on the criminal
justice system
- Agency referrals
- Aid in acquiring emergency shelter
- Facilitate other immediate needs
Volunteer Victim Advocate Job Description
PURPOSE:
Victim Advocates will be trained to
offer emotional support to crime victims in the City of Cañon
City. They will also provide information on the Criminal Justice
System, community support, referral to agencies, assist in
acquiring emergency shelter, and facilitate any other immediate
needs.
REPORTS TO:
Victim Assistance Coordinator
RESPONSILITIES:
- Be on-call for a designated period
of time each month.
- Provide advocacy and immediate
crisis intervention for victims.
- Assess immediate victim needs and
remain with the victim/survivor during the immediate crisis.
- Provide referrals to other
community agencies.
- Ensure that victims are aware of
their rights under the Victim Rights Amendment.
- Assist with Victims' Compensation
claims.
- Complete necessary reports and
document services rendered.
- Represent the Cañon City Police
Department in a positive and professional manner when
contacting victims or citizens.
- Attend monthly support and
training meetings.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- At least 21 years of age.
- Have a high school diploma or GED.
- Work on-call during a designated
time each month.
- Possess reliable transportation,
current auto insurance and a valid Colorado Driver's
License.
- Must have an open and
non-judgmental attitude towards victims and survivors.
- Have genuine concern and empathy
for victim/survivors regardless of the circumstances.
- Be able to communicate
effectively, think logically, and be a GREAT listener.
- Ride along with a Cañon City
Police Officer at least once during the training. (4 hours)
BENEFITS:
Advocates will be provided with
in-depth and ongoing training in the dynamics of victimization,
victim assistance, and will gain direct experience in providing
support to people in need. You will continually be making a
difference in people's lives. In addition, you will gain
knowledge about law enforcement and the Criminal Justice System.
Your participation will enhance the way our community responds
and treats victims and survivors and you'll make friends with
the people you're working with.
If you would like more information on
becoming a Victim Advocate with the Police Department, please
don't hesitate to call our Coordinator at 276-5617.
Volunteer Victims Advocate Application
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