A new statewide initiative that will provide trained advocates at every Kentucky State Police Post to support and assist victims of crime was announced Thursday by Governor Matt Bevin and state and federal officials.
Governor Bevin was joined by representatives of KSP, the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet, and the U.S. Department of Justice in making the announcement.
Victim Advocate Support Services is launching this fall and officials say advocates will administer care to crime victims – or those involved in traumatic events – connecting them with immediate resources, such as mental health services, crisis intervention or legal support. Advocates will also serve as liaisons between law enforcement and the victim.
KSP is among the first state police agencies to implement this program on a statewide basis.
Commissioner Rick Sanders said the program will fill a void in the system when it comes to victim outreach and ensure that victims are provided with immediate assistance and resources.
He said KSP opened more than 8,000 criminal cases involving more than 10,000 victims last year.
The VASS program is funded through the federal Department of Justice’s Victims of Crime Advocacy grant program. The Grants Management Branch in the Kentucky Justice and Public Safety Cabinet, which administers VOCA funds in Kentucky, awarded KSP $2.5 million for the program. KSP is providing a $632,000 match.
Kentucky Justice Secretary John Tilley is quoted in a news release as saying, “We want to empower victims right from the start. Enduring a traumatic event is overwhelming enough without having to worry about navigating the complexities of the criminal justice system.”