CPD receives grant funding for expansion of services to victims & survivors of crime

The CPD’s Victim Services Unit will use the grant to support direct victim assistance by hiring two full-time Crisis Response Advocates (CRA) who will focus on reaching victims in high-crime areas and improving services to them. The CRAs will respond to the emotional, psychological, and/or physical needs of crime victims, and offer referrals to other community resources to help meet these needs. They will also assist victims to understand and participate in the criminal justice system, and be aware of their rights as a victim of crime, and how to exercise those rights.

“The Crisis Response Advocates will work alongside Officers in the Neighborhood Policing Bureau to provide on scene support and services to victims of crime,” said Chief David Roddy. “Because of this grant, we are able to expand resources to more people in our community who need assistance and support during a time where they’re likely feeling violated and vulnerable.”

The Chattanooga Police Department was recently awarded a Victim of Crime Act Grant (VOCA) by the State of Tennessee. The three-year $600,000 pass-through grant allows for Victim Support Services to continue for victims of child abuse, domestic violence, sexual assault, and victims of violent crimes over the next three years. This grant also allows CPD to hire an bilingual (Spanish/English) advocate to join the Victim Services Unit which currently consists of two advocates and one supervisor/advocate.

“While VSU advocates primarily serve to assist victims and survivors of crime through a difficult time, we also support CPD Officers who are working to hold perpetrators accountable” said CPD Victim Services Coordinator, Caroline Huffaker. “Working together in this way helps the victims and survivors of crime, the officers who are working diligently to make a case, and the community as whole become a safer place.”

The OVC Law Enforcement-Based Victim Services grant and the VOCA grant do not require any match by the City of Chattanooga. Salaries, benefits, and equipment are funded by the respective grants.

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