Victim Services Unit Welcomes Doylestown Township Police
The Victim Services Unit is pleased to announce the expansion of the Law Enforcement Based Victim Services Unit, approved by the Department of Justice and Office of Victims of Crime. Doylestown Township Police will be joining the collaboration (CBPRD, Buckingham PD, Plumstead PD) in providing services to victims of crime beginning in August!
Our Victim Specialists partner with Officers, Detectives and community agencies creating a network of care and support for crime victims. This unique program allows our Specialists to support victims at the law enforcement level of contact.
“The success of this program has far exceeded our expectations. To date, the VSU has provided services to over 324 crime victims. We look forward to expanding with our neighboring department and realize policing in the 21st Century continues to be a collaborative effort.” States Chief Karl Knott, Central Bucks Regional Police Department.
Services are grant funded and free of charge. The VSU provides many services including: accompaniment at trauma-informed investigative interviews, updates on cases, criminal justice proceedings, obtaining state victim compensation, emergency housing, and community referrals for services. The VSU works closely with numerous external agencies such as the Bucks County District Attorney’s Office Victim Support, NOVA (Network of Victims Assistance) and A Woman’s Place.
“NOVA is committed to community partnerships that enhance services for victims of crime. Working with the Victims Services Unit, in collaboration with local police departments, helps to ensure that every victim of crime can receive timely and responsive referrals for services to agencies from their first interaction with law enforcement to create a seamless support network for victims, survivors and their families,” states Mandy Mundy, Associate Director, NOVA.
