Victim Specialist Program, Investigations Unit, Salinas Police Department

The purpose of this award, funded under the OVC FY 2019 Law Enforcement-Based Victim Specialist Program, is to develop or enhance crime victim specialist programs within law enforcement agencies to better support victims through the criminal justice process including connecting them with community-based direct victim services programs to more quickly and more effectively serve them. The Salinas Police Department (SPD) will develop a new Victim Services Program within the Investigations Unit. Under this project, SPD will hire and support a full-time Victim Specialist to provide direct, effective, trauma-informed services to victims, their families, and significant others and support them throughout the criminal justice process. This includes providing written information on their rights, compensation, the array of services available, and the availability of the Victim Specialist. The Victim Specialist will work closely with the District Attorney’s Office, Victim/Witness Unit and will strengthen partnerships with local agencies and community-based service providers who work with victims. The project aim is to make timely referrals to connect victims and families to coordinated and trauma-informed services. CA/NCF