Volunteers Sought for Crisis Response Team
The San Marcos Police Department Victims Services
program is looking for a few good volunteers to serve on a
Crisis Response Team to aid victims of disaster, trauma and
violent crime.
The fundamental role of a Crisis Response Team
member is to be there for the victims.
The team member may just need to listen,
help them find resources, or serve as an advocate in the justice
system.
Volunteers will be called upon to support victims
of major crimes in San Marcos, including survivors of homicide
victims, DWI hit and run fatalities, assault, family violence,
child abuse, elder abuse, sexual assault, kidnapping, other
crimes, traumatic events and disasters.
Team members will provide referrals and information
about community resources, legal options, the criminal justice
process, victims’ rights and compensation. Sometimes
they will accompany victims to court or provide transportation
to shelter or other safe location.
The volunteers will work under the supervision
of the Police Department and must maintain strict confidentiality
in their service.
Volunteers
will learn about the history of the program, policies and
procedures, sexual assault, family
violence, the criminal justice system, legal advocacy, and
communications.
Candidates for the team must be at least 18 years
old. They must fill out an application form and a notarized
waiver for release of information. At which point a police background check will be performed.
Applicants will be screened at an interview with
Williamson and a second interview with a panel before final participants
are selected.
Applications are available at the San Marcos
Police Department. For more information about the program,
contact Williamson at the SMPD Victims Services Office at 512-753-2106
or by email at: rwilliamson@sanmarcostx.gov.
|
