Kent R. Burbank

Since Kent Burbank became Director of the Victim Services Division of the Pima County Attorney’s Office in 2007, he has instituted a number of programs that enhance support services to crime victims. He established satellite offices that reach crime victims in rural areas who traditionally might not receive support services. He instituted the Kids in Court program that empowers child victims and witnesses by increasing their understanding of the court process, as well as a Lethality Assessment Program that teaches first responders to identify and assist victims of domestic violence who are at risk of being murdered. 

In addition to establishing these innovative programs, Mr. Burbank provided outstanding direction, support, and coordination of service for victims of crime in the aftermath of the senseless shooting on January 8, 2011, in Tucson, Arizona, that left six people dead, many injured (including U.S. Representative Gabrielle Giffords), hundreds of witnesses in shock, and a community stunned. 

Mr. Burbank and his staff and volunteers responded to the scene within minutes and were able to provide immediate crisis intervention and support to numerous distraught and traumatized witnesses. Mr. Burbank stayed at the crime scene into the evening hours, then left to relieve advocates at the University Medical Center (UMC), where the most critical victims were taken. 

He remained at UMC until the middle of the night to make sure his staff and volunteers were supported; to be certain that the FBI, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department, and the Tucson Police Department had correct information about the victims and witnesses; and to ensure that victims, witnesses, and family members had accurate information about what to expect from the criminal justice system in the coming hours.