Grand Rapids Police Department Victim Services Program Development

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 City of Grand Rapids, Michigan, maintains a medium-sized police department. The City will better support victims of traumatic, violent crime by developing a law enforcement-based Victim Services Program. The Victim Services Program will be placed in Investigations, which has the most contact with victims and county prosecutors. The project strategy focuses on victims of nonfamily-related murder, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, and arson who are not receiving services through other community agencies. The City will develop policies, procedures, and informational brochures, and develop relationships with community agencies. The Kent County Prosecutor’s Office will be a key partner during program design and for developing a smooth transition for victims from Grand Rapids Police Department’s Victim Services Program to the Prosecutor’s Victim/Witness Unit, once cases are charged.

CA/NCF