Police Department
Reference: A Resolution of the City Council of the City Of Brighton, Colorado, Accepting Federal Funds Provided by a Grant from the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute the Grant Acceptance Contract with the Division of Justice
To: Mayor Ken Kreutzer and Members of City Council
Through: Philip A. Rodriguez, City Manager
Paul Southard, Chief of Police
Prepared By: Kim Messina, VSU Coordinator
Date Prepared: December 12, 2018
PURPOSE
Grant funding allows for one Brighton/Commerce City Sexual Assault Victim Advocate Specialist ("Specialist") to provide comprehensive victim-centered and advocacy services to sexual assault victims within City of Brighton and Commerce City. Brighton Police Department (BPD) and Commerce City Police Department (CCPD) have implemented the "You Have Options" Program (YHOP), which offers a three-tier reporting approach allowing victims to report as much or as little of an incident as desired, effectively empowering victims to drive the investigation at their own pace. The Specialist will provide statutorily-mandated Victim's Rights Act services and will be assigned to the Commerce City/Brighton Sexual Assault Task Force. The grant will also fund a large 2-year YHOP outreach campaign through OUTFRONT Media to promote community awareness regarding medical advocacy services and reporting options in the community of Brighton and Commerce City. These grant funds will also fund the current 17th Judicial District Sexual Assault Response Team Coordinator Program ("SART Program") which is housed within BPD.
STRATEGIC FOCUS AREA
Safe, Active and Engaged Community
BACKGROUND
The Specialist, the SART Program, and YHOP will provide services as follows:
The Specialist:
This position provides primary services to sexual assault victims and witnesses, including crisis intervention, follow-up services, information support and referrals, criminal justice support and advocacy, assisting with emerg...
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