Our deputies often respond to calls for help from people who are experiencing the worst moment of their lives. While deputies collect evidence and information from a scene, our Victim Advocates make sure the physical and emotional needs of the victims are never overlooked. Victim Advocates provide direct support, crisis intervention and information to help victims and witnesses of violent crime, disaster or death.

 

The JCSO Victim Services Unit is made up of one supervisor, Andrea; four staff advocates, Courtney, Jane, Valerie, Dana Roggensack; one administrative specialist, Bernadette; and 16 dedicated volunteers. The advocates are available 24/7, 365 days a year, to provide immediate and follow-up services to individuals and families who are seeking help, support, and information. JCSO Victim Advocates refer victims and witnesses to supportive agency programs, serve as a liaison between the victim/family and our deputy/investigator to provide ongoing updates about their case, and help provide follow-up assistance to address any of the victims’ needs.

 

Victims of crime have rights and avenues to take back the power they often feel is lost after a terrible situation. Victim Advocates are there to guide them and provide platforms for the voices of victims to be heard, felt, and recognized. Additionally, Advocates take care of our own, recognizing that first responders also often need emotional support.

 

We want to take a moment to say Thank You for your courage and your conviction; for leaving behind all that is familiar and comfortable to serve others. Thank you for your compassion and your awareness; for seeing the need and responding. Thank you for sharing your skills and knowledge to help all victims of crime—especially those from groups that often have less access to healing services and avenues to justice. Thank you for your patience, respect, and perseverance. But most of all thank you for your kindness, care, and love and for Doing Good in Green with the JCSO.