The Chattanooga Police Department has received a three-year, $450,000 grant to be used to enhance the department’s response to and support of victims of crime in Chattanooga.
The Law Enforcement-Based Victim Services Grant comes from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime. With over $20 million in total funds for the grant, the OVC expects to award 40 law enforcement agencies across the United States.
The CPD’s Victim Services Unit will use the grant to support direct victim assistance by hiring two full-time Crisis Response Advocates who will focus on reaching victims in high-crime areas and improving services to them.
The CRAs will respond to the emotional, psychological and physical needs of crime victims and offer referrals to other community resources to help meet these needs. They will also help victims understand and participate in the criminal justice system, inform them of their rights as a victim of crime and explain how to exercise those rights.
“The Crisis Response Advocates will work alongside officers in the Neighborhood Policing Bureau to provide on-scene support and services to victims of crime,” Chief David Roddy says. “Because of this grant, we’re able to expand resources to more people in our community who need assistance and support during a time where they’re likely feeling violated and vulnerable.”
The OVC Law Enforcement-Based Victim Services grant does not require any match by the city of Chattanooga. Salaries, benefits and equipment are funded by the grant.
Source: CPD