GARFIELD COUNTY
SHERIFF’S OFFICE POLICY / PROCEDURE PATROL

SUBJECT: VICTIM ADVOCATE PROGRAM

EFFECTIVE DATE: April 1, 2004

POLICY:
Patrol personnel are required to notify the Victim Advocate coordinator when specific incidents occur during the scope of their duties.

PURPOSE:
To provide Garfield County Sheriff’s Office Deputies with guidelines for the notification of the Victim’s Advocate Coordinator and Advocate Volunteers.

DEFINITIONS:
• Victim’s Advocate Coordinator: Full time Garfield County Sheriff’s Office paid employee that manages the Victim Advocate Program.
• Advocate Volunteer: A trained volunteer who is supervised by the Advocate Coordinator.

METHODS:
The Victim Advocate Program is designed to minimize the trauma that is occurring to victims of crimes. The advocates can provide on scene assistance after Deputies have identified the victims. The victim advocates can provide assistance on any case, but priority is placed on cases that fall under the Victim’s Rights Amendment. These crimes are: Murder, Manslaughter, Criminal Negligent Homicide, Vehicular Homicide, Careless Driving Resulting in Death, Sexual Assault, Ethic Intimidation, Menacing, Kidnapping, Robbery, Incest, Child Abuse, Sexual Exploitation of Children, Crimes involving Domestic Violence, Crimes involving At-risk Adults, Violation of Protection Orders that were a result of Domestic Violence, accidents resulting in death, Assault, Harassment by Stalking, Vehicular Assaults, Retaliation Against a Witness or Victim, Tampering With a Witness or Victim . Deputies will notify the On-call advocate if any of these crimes are encountered.
In the event of other crimes not listed, or when a victim cannot be immediately located, the advocate section on the offense report shall be highlighted to ensure follow-up by the advocates. At any incident that the Deputies feel that advocate assistance would be beneficial, they can contact the On-call advocate and advise the advocate of the situation. In any situation, the Deputies will ensure that the scene is safe before allowing the advocate on scene.
 

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