Victim-assistance volunteers needed

The MPD Victim Assistance Program is looking for volunteers for upcoming training. The program presently has 10 active volunteers and needs to expand its membership.

VAP volunteers assist Maricopa Police Department with victims of crimes, helping to provide access to services and assistance such as crisis intervention, counseling, financial compensation, information, referrals to community programs and help in navigating the justice process. The VAP first responder informs the victim of their guaranteed rights under Arizona’s Constitution, how to exercise their rights, and what recourse they have if their rights are ever violated.

Situations that VAP volunteers are trained to respond to include death notifications, sexual assault, domestic violence, elder abuse, homicides, human trafficking, mass casualty crimes and mass casualty accidents.

“The initial response to a victim will have a lasting impact on that individual’s view of the MPD, the justice system and their participation in the investigation and prosecution of the crime,” said Jerry Good, VAP coordinator.

A volunteer must be 21 years or older with a high school diploma or GED, have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation, pass background check w/fingerprints and sit before a review board and attend 40 hours of training, as well as monthly two-hour training sessions.

If you are interested or need more information, contact Good at 520-316-6875 or by e-mail at [email protected].

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