Volunteers Needed for Commerce City’s Victims Support Unit

outreach part of national crime victims’ rights week celebration

COMMERCE CITY – With 20 million Americans victims of crime each year, National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (April 10 – April 16) seeks to support those affected by crime and raise awareness of available programs and services. Last year, Commerce City served nearly 740 victims of crime and is using the celebration to solicit community volunteers for its Victims Support Unit and to raise funds to restock needed supplies.

The Commerce City Police Department’s Victims Support Unit is currently staffed by two full-time employee advocates and eight community volunteers. The unit is on-call 24/7, providing on-scene incident assistance to ensure victims are treated with dignity and respect. Staff and volunteers provide crisis intervention, advocacy, service referrals, and support during the criminal justice process. They can also assist with essential items for victims such as diapers, toiletries, teddy bears, and clothing.

“Even though crime rates in the city have declined by 8.3 percent, it is important to have advocates available when incidents do occur so victims are heard,” said Police Chief Philip Baca. “Community volunteers are very important to the success of our unit, supporting staff by providing additional coverage for nights, weekends and holidays. I encourage residents to consider volunteering their time to this rewarding program.”

Volunteers must be at least 18-years old, have insurance and reliable transportation and commit to at least one year of service. Applicants also will be required to complete the 40-hour Victim Services Academy, pass the CVSA exam and undergo a background check.

In addition to City Council’s acknowledgement of the unit, police department staff is holding an employee fundraiser to restock their supply cabinet, incentivizing donations with the promise of a casual Friday for all city personnel – including those in uniform. To date, the response has been tremendous; the department hopes to exceed the $500 goal set for employees by the end of the week. During Monday’s council meeting, resident Carolyn Kerls also donated $500 to the unit’s 501(c)3 organization, Victims Services Programs, in honor of her husband, retired Lieutenant Warren Kerls.

Community members interested in volunteering can learn more about the unit by attending Saturday’s Coffee with a Cop event from 8-10 a.m. at McDonald’s, located at 10400 Belle Creek Boulevard. More information about the unit and volunteer applications can be found on the city’s website, www.c3gov.com/police or by contacting Heidi Flowers at 303-227-8792 or Michelle Jaramillo 303-289-3655 for further information.