Victim Services of Middlesex-London is on track to train 150 Londoners to assist police with providing services for victims of crime or tragic circumstances in the community.
The recent partnership has trained over 100 new volunteers and some officers since the beginning of February.
Police Chief John Pare stated that the community is only scratching the surface on the issue.
The partnership allows both parties to provide:
- 24/7 on-scene services
- Early intervention
- Community support sessions
- Needs assessments
- Development of personalized referral forms or service plans
- Safety planning
- Follow-up from staff members
Under the Victim Quick Response Program, some victims can receive access to counselling as well as community and government support services.
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According to officials, work done by victim services has helped with domestic disputes, human trafficking and sudden death investigations.
“A 30-minute response time is incredible,” Pare said. “It is a good relief for the officer to be able to concentrate on what they need to.”
London police have employed three full-time specialists in their Crisis Intervention and Victim Support Unit.
According to Pare, officials will monitor staff levels to determine if more specialists are required.
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