Larimer County Sheriff’s Office seeking volunteer victim advocates

The Victim Services programs for the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office and Fort Collins Police Services are looking for compassionate and caring people to act in the capacity of volunteer victim advocates.

Victim advocates are trained to offer emotional support and crisis intervention to crime victims in Fort Collins and throughout Larimer County. Advocates provide information on the criminal justice system, resources in the community, aid in acquiring emergency shelter, as well as facilitate other immediate needs. They also conduct follow-up assistance by providing victim compensation benefits information as well as updates on the status and progression of a victim’s case through preliminary stages of the judicial system.

Services are provided to victims 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Advocates work one 12-hour shift per week. Applicants will be required to pass a criminal history check and background investigation. Volunteer victim advocates will be required to attend a 45-hour training program prior to being placed in an on-call capacity.

If you are interested in a rewarding volunteer opportunity, consider becoming a victim advocate. For more information, contact Larimer County Sheriff’s Office: Susan Johnston, Victim Response Team Coordinator, 970-498-5149 or [email protected]. Or contact Fort Collins Police Department: Melissa Funk, Victim Services Supervisor, 970-224-6089 or [email protected].