CSPD VAU seeks volunteers to aid crime victims

(COLORADO SPRINGS) — The Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) Victim Advocacy Unit (VAU) is seeking volunteers to help provide critical resources and support to crime victims.

The VAU provides services to support those who have been victimized by crimes that are covered by Colorado’s Victim Rights Act.

Participants work side-by-side with CSPD’s full-time staff. Applicants can submit an application online .

They provide services such as:

• Immediate crisis intervention and safety planning (24-hours a day, 7 days a week on-call victim assistance)
• Information on Colorado Victim Rights Act (VRA)
• Assistance in completing applications for the Crime Victim Compensation Fund
• Referrals to community agencies and resources
• Support during the investigative process and education on the criminal justice system
• Arrangement of interpretation services for victims with limited English proficiency
• Information and assistance on obtaining protection orders

Volunteer applications are open until Friday, July 19. Those who are selected to become a VAU volunteer will be provided 40 hours of specialized training at the VAU Victim Advocate Training Academy starting Sept. 21 to Oct. 19 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Participants will be trained in victim advocacy skills including crisis intervention, community resources, and VAU operations. They will also gain a general understanding of the various units and functions of CSPD. On-the-job training will also be provided to those volunteers recruited to the unit.

All applicants are required to complete a criminal background check and polygraph prior to enrollment in the training academy.

For more information or to enroll, click the link above.

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