(LEX 18) — Kentucky State Police is offering more support for victims by hiring victim advocates at each of its 16 posts. It's part of the new Victim Advocate Support Services program.
These advocates will administer care to victims of crime or traumatic events and connect them with immediate resources, like mental health services or legal support. They will also serve as liaisons between victims and law enforcement, giving detectives time to focus on the details of the case.
KSP is one of the first state police agencies to bring on this program on a statewide basis.
“We owe it to victims not only to be respectful, not only to give them dignity as was noted, but frankly to expeditiously and effectively see that justice is done,” said Governor Matt Bevin.
The program was awarded $2.5 million in federal funding through the Department of Justice’s Victims of Crime Advocacy grant program. KSP will provide a $632,000 match. Funding will go towards hiring and training advocates, hiring a program director and getting new vehicles.
KSP has started interviewing and hiring victim advocates and will begin offering services as soon as the hiring process is done.
