The Maricopa Police Department Victim Assistance Program is comprised of dedicated volunteers who provide direct assistance and services to victims, witnesses and survivors of crime. All volunteers complete a required training program and are expected to maintain strict standards of behavior, discretion and confidentiality in the performance of their duties.

When the officer on the scene identifies a need for Victim Assistance, a volunteer is called.

Volunteers provide a myriad of services and can be asked to assist in any type of situation where the police are called. It is not possible to furnish an all-inclusive list; however, examples of services typically performed by our volunteers include:

• Assess and prioritize needs
• Provide non-medical comfort and aid to victims, witnesses, families as needed
• Provide information, as applicable, regarding the criminal justice system
• Provide information regarding victim's rights and resources
• Escort victims, witnesses to place of safety, hospital, etc., as needed
• Assure both personal and victim safety at all times
• Document and report all activity on required departmental forms

Decisions made by Victim Assistance Program volunteers effect the work and reputation of the Maricopa Police Department. The volunteers are under the supervision of the Maricopa Police Department Officer assigned as the Volunteer Services Coordinator and the Victim Assistance Program Coordinator volunteer.

A list of important resources follows:

For general information regarding services in Arizona:

http://www.azdps.gov/services/Crime_Victims/

For information on Victims Rights in Arizona:

http://www.azdps.gov/Services/Crime_Victims/victimRights/

For information on Crime Victims Compensation:

Arizona Criminal Justice Commission, 3737 North 7th Street, Suite 260 Phoenix, AZ 85024 (602) 230-0252

http://www.azcjc.gov/ACJC.Web/victim/VictComp.aspx

Arizona Voice for Crime Victims:

Phone: (480) 600-2661 Phone: (480) 965-5640 www.voiceforvictims.gov

Additional Resources:

Arizona Child Abuse Info Center

Arizona Attorney General's Office

Governors Office for Children, Youth, and Families

Arizona Coalition Against Domestic Violence

Arizona Sexual Assault Network

ACFAN: The Arizona Child and Family Advocacy Network.