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Colquitt County Sherriff Department
Georgia’s 8th Congressional District
Counties Served: Colquitt
Jessica Hipchen and Maria Augutis
Amount Requested: $98,000
Project Title: Law Enforcement Victim Witness Assistant Program
Victims, especially Hispanics, do not receive the adequate assistance in response to crimes in Colquitt County due to language barriers and insufficient staffing. The purpose of the Law
Enforcement Victim Witness Assistant Program is to increase assistance to victims regardless of language by hiring a Bilingual Deputy and continue the funding of a Victim Advocate so that
victims needs will be met, rates of recurring crimes are reduced, and sense of well-being is increased.
One Page Summary
Colquitt County, Georgia, with a population of 46,102 and a Hispanic population of 8,114, has
an annual average of 1,700 crimes. This does not account for unreported crimes that are due to
factors such as language barriers for the large Hispanic population. In Colquitt County, there is
only one Victim Advocate and no Bilingual Deputy on staff. With continued VOCA funding for
the Victim Advocate and the addition of a Bilingual Deputy Position, the Colquitt County Sheriff
Department can improve resources and services for victims of crime.
With a majority of victims from low-income households and a low education, where the high
school graduation rate is only 37.5%, stressors are high, leading to an increase in the risk of
victimization. An additional stressor is the inability to communicate with police officers when a
crime has been reported due to differing languages for the Hispanic population.
The continuation of VOCA funding for the Victim Advocate position will enable the contact of
victims named in the reports, the ability to provide a liaison between the victim and the officer
investigating the crime. Crime Victim Compensation paperwork will be completed and victims
will be referred to outside resources as needed. The addition of VOCA funding for the position
of the Bilingual Deputy will expand the Colquitt County Sheriff Department's capacity to
respond to cases involving Hispanic victims, providing translation services, improving speed of
response time to cases and wait time, accuracy of reports, and ability to provide services to all
victims regardless of language.
Additional documents include a Memorandum of Understanding with The Haven, a letter of
support from The Haven, Hero House, and Moultrie Housing Authority, a logic model, an
organizational chart, and a detailed project budget.
Narrative:
Problem Statement and Data
Victims of crime experience a number of feelings after being attacked, including helplessness,
trauma, self-blame, and depression. In addition to these reactions to what has happened to them,
they often do not have the knowledge of what to do next, or that there are existing resources in
their community that can help them get back on their feet. The Colquitt County Sheriff's office
employs one victim advocate who contacts victims and acts as a liaison between the individual
and the officer investigating the crime. This advocate helps the victim to know that they are not
alone and there is someone who is there to help them through the process with things such as
answering questions they might have, or for those who qualify, how to complete the Crime
Victim Compensation paperwork. In the past year, the victim advocate contacted 1,805 victims,
referred 787 victims to other organizations for basic needs, and assisted 642 victims with their
Crime Victim Compensation Paperwork. The advocate also conducted 62 lethality screenings for
victims of domestic violence and linked 43 with domestic violence shelters.
The United States Census Bureau lists the 2014 population for Colquitt County as 46,102
(http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/13/13071.html). In 2012, there was a total of 1,721
crimes reported (http://georgiastats.uga.edu/sasweb/cgi-bin/broker). This does not account for all
unreported crimes. With a Hispanic population totaling 8,114, there is a large language barrier,
creating even more of a need for help with victims
(http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/13/13071.html).
Sometimes when officers respond to 911 calls no one on the scene is able to speak English,
making it impossible to report or make an arrest. Other times, one person speaks English and
becomes the unofficial translator for everyone else there. This is particularly harmful in domestic
violence or child abuse situations, where the perpetrator may have the greatest knowledge of
English. Having someone that can understand the Spanish language will open doors for Hispanic
victims. Currently, the Sheriffs Department only has the resources to fund the salaries of one
elected Sheriff, one deputy, 2 officers, one non-sworn officer, and a VOCA funded advocate,
which is not enough to meet the demands of the large Hispanic population in Colquitt County.
Each day the department receives cases involving Spanish speaking victims. With an increasing
number of Hispanics in the community, the issue needs to be addressed. While we are fortunate
enough to receive support for all current staff, the community shows a need for continued
funding for the victim advocate, an additional bilingual staff member, as well as printed
materials such as cards or brochures about victim's rights.
Mission Statement
The mission of the Law Enforcement Victim Witness Assistant Program is to increase assistance
to victims regardless of language by hiring a Bilingual Deputy and continue the funding of a
Victim Advocate so that victims’ needs will be met, rates of recurring crimes are reduced, and
sense of well-being is increased.
Target Population
Those served by the department come from within Colquitt County limits and are under the
Southern Judicial Circuit. The majority of the victims are from low-income households and do
not only need assistance coping with victimization but also basic needs such as food and
clothing. With a median household income of $30,669, families face many stressors already,
making it easier to become victimized. The median household income for Hispanics is even
lower, at an average of $25,599 (http://georgiastats.uga.edu/sasweb/cgi-bin/broker). VOCA
funding already provides victim advocacy to almost 2,000 victims each year. Additionally, as a
continuation of the original project, VOCA funding will provide translation services and better
victim advocacy services to the Hispanic population in Colquitt County which, as stated earlier,
is a little over 8,000.
Another factor that causes individuals to become easier targets for victimization is low
education. Those with low IQs are more easily manipulated and do not fully understand the
circumstances they are in. This is particularly true with domestic violence cases. The victim
usually relies on the abuser because he/she functions more easily when told what to do.
Approximately 10.5% of students in Colquitt County do not make it through ninth grade. There
is a high school graduation rate of only 37.5%
(http://georgiastats.uga.edu/sasweb/cgi-bin/broker). Only 11.9% go on to get a Bachelors degree
or higher (http://georgiastats.uga.edu/sasweb/cgi-bin/broker). With low educational attainment
rates such as those found in Colquitt County, an opportunity for individuals to become
victimized increases drastically.
Project Activities
Since its founding in 1856, the Colquitt County Sheriff Department's purpose has been to
provide the highest level of public service while practicing the ultimate ideals of law
enforcement excellence. The mission is to work collaboratively with the community to prevent
crime and disorder, solve related problems, reduce fear of crime and enforce the laws according
to the U.S. Constitution in order to provide a safe and secure environment for all citizens of this
county.
Proposed investment from VOCA through the CJCC will fund two critical positions at the
Colquitt County Sheriff's Department, the Victim Advocate and the Spanish speaking Bilingual
Deputy. The victim advocate position is already filled and VOCA funded but is slated to be cut
as of July 1, 2015 due to the end of the 24 month VOCA grant contract. Support from the CJCC
will keep this position filled and will also add the bilingual deputy position. The two positions
combined are needed to prevent a decline in essential services for victims of crime.
Current Positions working with the Law Enforcement Victim Witness Assistance Program:
Sheriff
The sheriff oversees the victim advocate and bilingual investigation officer, provides assistance
with questions regarding Colquitt county and its laws, and is involved in any major decision
making.The Sheriff has a high school diploma and successfully passed the civil service exam
before entering the training program for Sheriffs. The Sheriff has extensive experience with
criminal justice, the county jail, and services directed by the court systems and law enforcement
in Georgia. Additionally, the Colquitt County Sheriff has expertise in assisting and supporting
the community as a whole as a method to decrease crime.
Deputy
The deputy is involved in any major decisions and has a similar background as the Sheriff with a
high school diploma, a successful completion of the civil service exam, and completion of the
deputy training program. The Colquitt County Deputy reports to the Sherriff as needed and has
experience working in the police department, assisting in disputes, appearing in court, and
responding to 911 calls.
Officers
The officers testify as needed for victims in court in order to assure that justice is served. Both
officers have received the Georgia Peace Officers Standards and Training Council (POST)
certificate and have received training through the GPSTC Regional Academy.
Non-sworn Officer
The non-sworn officer answers calls that come in to the Colquitt County Sheriff's Department
involving victims and transfers the call to the Victim Advocate or Bilingual Investigation Officer
if translation assistance is needed. The non-sworn officer has a high school diploma and has gone
through training at the Colquitt County Sheriff's Department.
Interns
The interns work in support roles for the victim department of the Colquitt County Sheriff's
Department. Interns do not carry firearms, make arrests, or become involved in potentially
dangerous situations. The intern has a GPA of at least 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale) and is supported by a
degree granting institution and receives class credit for their internship. Interns must have a clean
background check, a valid state issued driver’s license, and no recent drug use.
Service provided by grant funded staff:
Continued funding for the Victim Advocate is essential in order to provide victims of crime in
Colquitt County with the help and assistance needed. The services provided by the Colquitt
County Sherriff Department's Victim Advocate are:
Providing information on victimization and crime prevention to the general public
Providing information on victim's right and the criminal justice process
Providing emotional support to victims of crime
Helping victims with general information and safety planning
Helping victims submit and develop comments to court
Helping victims find shelters and counseling centers
Helping provide referrals to other victim advocate organizations in Colquitt County such
as The Haven and the Hero House.
Helping victims with crime victim compensation applications, a government program to
reimburse victims of violent crimes as well as their families for many of their expense
associate with the crime
Providing translation services and improving victim advocacy services for the Hispanic
population of Colquitt County will result in a decrease in non-reported crime. With the assistance
of a Bilingual Deputy, the immediate needs of the victim can be addressed and met regardless of
language. The addition of this position to the staff of the department will also help Hispanic
victims receive the care and assistance needed in order to cope with the experiences they have
gone through.
The services provided by the Bilingual Deputy are to assist in all scenarios during a crime
investigation where a Spanish speaking individual is needed such as:
Answering 911 calls
Communicating with both the victim and the perpetrator
Talks to witnesses
Providing information on the criminal justice process
Helping Hispanic victims submit and develop comments to the court
Working closely with the Victim Advocate to make sure that the needs of the Spanish
speaking victim are being met
Helping provide referrals to victim advocacy organizations in Colquitt County that have
the capacity to work with Hispanic individuals
Having someone that can understand the Spanish language will open doors for Hispanic victims.
They have needs just as everyone else and reserve the right to be heard. The creation of a new
position for a bilingual deputy will eliminate the language barrier and allow the Hispanic
population to have their needs accurately conveyed to both the Victim Advocate and police
department, reducing the rates of recurring crimes towards the victims and increasing their sense
of well-being and safety.
Since 1997 the Colquitt County Sherriff’s Department has worked closely with The Haven, a
nonprofit organization that provides emergency temporary shelter and services to victims of
family violence and sexual assaults. The Victim Advocate refers all victims as needed to The
Haven. Collaboration between the two entities will enable victims to receive immediate
assistance during the time of the crime as well as long-term rehabilitation.
Memorandum of Understanding
Between
The Colquitt County Sherriff Department
And
The Haven
The MOU formalizes the commitment of the parties to work together to provide trauma- informed services to victims of sexual assault and to improve the overall response to sexual assault in counties served. The parties share the goal of preventing sexual assault in the community and responding appropriately those who have been victimized.
Project
This Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) sets the terms and understanding between the Colquitt County Sherriff Department and The Haven to collaborate on the Law Enforcement Victim Witness Assistant Program in order to improve resources and services for Hispanic victims of crime in Colquitt County
Background
The Haven is a non-profit organization founded in 1985 that provides emergency temporary shelter and services to victims of family violence and sexual assault. The Haven serves nine counties in South Georgia, including Colquitt County. A partnership between the Colquitt County Sherriff’s Department and The Haven will enable victims to receive immediate assistance during the time of the crime as well as long-term rehabilitation
The Colquitt County Sherriff's Department works collaboratively with the community to prevent crime and disorder, solve related problems, reduce fear of crime and enforce the laws according to the U.S. Constitution in order to provide a safe and secure environment for all citizens of this county.
Purpose
The purpose of this collaboration is to:
Prevent domestic violence and other crimes to women and children in Colquitt County
Provide the assistance needed for victims of crime including crime scene assistance and emergency shelter
Provide Spanish speaking assistance when needed to the Hispanic population
Guarantee an open dialog between the two parties in order to most efficiently benefit and fulfill the need of the victims of crime
Reporting
There will be a monthly meeting between the Executive Director of The Haven and the Bilingual Deputy and Victim Advocate of the Colquitt County Sheriff's Department. This meeting will include open dialogue about the progress of the program and the results of surveys given to victims.
Funding
This MOU does not include any commitment of funds.
Duration
This MOU is at-will and may be modified by mutual consent of authorized officials from The Haven and the Colquitt County Sherriff Department. This MOU shall become effective upon signature by the authorized officials from the collaborating organizations and will remain in effect until modified or terminated by any one of the partners by mutual consent. In the absence of mutual agreement by the authorized officials from The Haven and the Colquitt County Sherriff Department this MOU shall end on December 31, 2017.
Contact Information
Partner name: The Colquitt County Sherriff DepartmentPartner representative: Al WhittingtonPosition: Colquitt County Sherriff Address: P.O. Box 188Moultrie, GA 31776Telephone: (229) 616-7430E-mail: [email protected]
Partner name: The HavenPartner representative: Joanna DavidsonPosition: Executive DirectorAddress: P.O. Box 5382Valdosta, Georgia 31603Telephone: 1-800-33HAVEN, 1-229-244-1765E-mail: [email protected]
________________________ Date:
(Joanna Davidson, The Haven, Executive Director)
________________________ Date:
(Al Whittington, Colquitt County Sherriff's Department, Sherriff)
Project Evaluation
Over the past year the Victim Advocate, Sarah James, contacted 1,805 victims, referred 787
victims to other organizations for basic needs, and assisted 642 victims with their Crime Victim
Compensation Paperwork. The advocate also conducted 62 lethality screenings for victims of
domestic violence and linked 43 with domestic violence shelters, such as The Haven.
The Colquitt County Sherriff Department is tracking the program success by performing
evaluations of client satisfaction as well as program outcomes met. Short term outcomes are to
provide immediate help and support for all victims who need assistance, an expanded capacity to
respond to cases involving Hispanic victims, and an increase in project staff time devoted to
direct services. Medium term outcomes are a decrease in victimization in Colquitt County by
15% 2020 and an elimination of language barriers in crime investigations by 100% by 2018.
The Sherriff Department is utilizing a standardized evaluation method used for VOCA funded
grants all around the state. Questions will be given to the victims in a questionnaire format. Each
question will be answered on a scale of 1-5 based on the client satisfaction. There will also be
space for comments and concerns that is optional for the individuals to use. Results from the
questionnaires will be recorded, analyzed, and shared in a discussion format in a written report
made available on the organizations website. The following questions will be given to the
victims at the conclusion of the services provided by the Colquitt County Sherriff Department as
an indicator of the program quality:
How easy was it to locate and access services?
How well were you treated by program staff?
How timely was the service you received?
How close was the service to its published promises or commitments?
Did you feel the officer showed concern for you and your safety at the crime scene?
Did the officer give you useful information on the services available to you at the crime
scene?
The questionnaire will also be available in Spanish and be distributed to the Hispanic victims by
the Bilingual Deputy as needed with the Victim Advocate Present:
¿Ha sido fácil de localizar y acceder a servicios?
¿Como te atendió el personel del programa?
¿Como oportuno fue el servivio que recibiste?
¿Como cerca era el servicio a sus prometos publicados o compromisos?
¿Sentiste que el deputado mostró preocupación para ti y tu seguridad en la escena del
crimen?
¿Te dió el deputado información útil de los servicios disponibles para ti en la escena del
crimen?
The Colquitt County Sherriff Department will also analyze output measures to evaluate the
program's success. Along with the results of the satisfaction surveys, the outputs will be reported
to VOCA biannually. The following outputs will be collected:
# victims served by the Sherriff Department
# number of services provided by the Sherriff Department
Demographics of victims served
# receiving transitional housing
# crisis calls
# emergency meals
# educated about rights and alternatives
# victims accompanied to court
# victims referred to local nonprofits working with victim advocacy
Job Descriptions for Grant Funded Staff
Victim Advocate
The Victim Advocate for the Colquitt County Sheriff's Department, Sarah James, contacts the
victims named in the reports and acts as a liaison between the victim and the officer investigating
the crime. She also answers questions related to the criminal process and helps the victim with
any other needs they may have. Some needs require referrals to other organizations for things
such as food and clothing assistance. For those who qualify, the Victim Advocate assists with
Crime Victim Compensation paperwork. With domestic violence victims, she utilizes lethality
screening, and networks with community organizations, linking them with other service
providers such as the nearest domestic violence shelter. The advocate is unique in that she
specializes in serving specific client bases, including child/youth victims, adult victims, and
elderly victims of all crimes. Although she is not Spanish speaking, she has years of experience
working with the Hispanic population. Proposed grant funding will ensure this position is filled
for two years, beginning August 1, 2015. The position will be sustained by the Colquitt County
Sheriff's Department after conclusion of the 24-month grant period using dedicated resources
developed during 2015-2017. The Victim Advocate has a high school diploma, and has
completed both the Georgia Victims Academy and National Victims Academy as well as
numerous other conference trainings. She has worked in the field for 15 years and has extensive
experience working with the Hispanic community in Colquitt County.
Bilingual Deputy
The Bilingual Deputy expands capacity to respond to cases involving Hispanic victims,
providing translation services, improving speed of response time to cases and wait time for
victims, accuracy of reports, and ability to provide services to victims. Services provided are
unique and specialized for Hispanic victims, essential in Colquitt County due to the high and
increasing number of Hispanic residents. This position will be sustained after conclusion of the
24-month grant period using dedicated resources developed during 2015-2017. The Bilingual
Investigation Officer will have a high school diploma and will have completed the National
Spanish proficiency exam. The office will have ten years of prior experience in the criminal
justice field and have provided translation services within that field for a minimum of 5 years.
04/02/2015
Moultrie, GA
Mrs. Wright,
I am writing to show The Haven's support for the Colquitt County Sherriff Department and their Law Enforcement Victim Witness Assistant Program. For the past eighteen years The Haven has worked closely with the Sherriff's Department to improve resources and services for victims of crime in Colquitt County.
I believe that the Colquitt Country Sheriff Department's proposed project will benefit Haven's mission of providing services to victims of family violence and sexual assault and will greatly improve the conditions for Spanish speaking victims of crime in Colquitt County. Thanks to the proposed position of the Bilingual Deputy, The Haven's capacity to reach a wider number of individuals in Colquitt County who are in need of victim assistance will increase.
Please let me know if you have any additional questions.
Sincerely,
Joanna DavidsonExecutive Director, the Haven
(421) 859-7264
04/13/2015
Dear Mrs. Wright,
On behalf of Moultrie Housing Authority and our tenants, I strongly support the Law Enforcement Victim Witness Assistant Program planned for launch by the Colquitt County Sheriff Department in Spring of 2015.
As you already know, the Moultrie Housing Authority originated in 1949 in order to provide safe and affordable housing to low income individuals and families. Currently, the Authority manages three-hundred seventy two (372) apartments in the cities of Moultrie and Doerun. Although crime is not limited to those with low income, there is a higher average of incidents within lower income communities. This is correlated with a variety of factors including education, community involvement, and quality and type of police services.
With 70% of violence crimes reported in Colquitt County coming from neighborhoods run by the Moultrie Housing Authority, we believe that there is a need to create more services to better assist victims and prevent future crime from occurring. Safety is part of our mission.
The Moultrie Housing Authority believes that the Law Enforcement Victim Witness Assistant Program will create a positive impact on our community with the continuation of the Victim Advocate position and creation of the Bilingual Deputy position. Tenants will feel safer in their homes and know that they have someone to turn to when in need of victim assistance.
If I can answer any questions or provide additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
Jonathan Vines, Facilities Director
229-985-4162
April 07,2015
Mrs. Wright:
I strongly encourage the CJCC to consider the Colquitt County Sheriff Department's grant application for the continued funding of a Victim Advocate and the creation of a position for a Bilingual Deputy.
These positions are critical to the prevention of repeated crimes in the future and making sure that the voices of each victim are heard. Hero House, the Children's Advocacy Center of Colquitt County, is of dozens of One With Courage's centers in Georgia. The organization is centered around the courage it takes to talk about child sexual abuse—the courage it takes child victims to come forward and talk about their abuse and the courage it takes adults to talk about the issue, learn the signs and report abuse when it’s suspected.
The Colquitt County Sheriff Department has partnered with Hero House since 1999. The department refers children and families to our facility for additional victim assistance such as forensic interviewing, forensic evaluation, medical accompaniment, advocacy, additional referrals, counseling, and support groups for victims and non-offending caregivers.
Child sexual abuse is one of many ways that children can be victimized. We believe in eliminating language barriers, providing quality assistance to victims, and making sure that justice is served. A Victim Advocate is vital in the Sherriff's Department. Additionally, with the large Hispanic community in Colquitt County, it is evident that the Sheriff's Department should have a staff member who is fluent in Spanish.
We look forward to our working partnership with the Colquitt County Sherriff's Department, as we believe this is the best way to create a long-lasting impact within our community.
Sincerely,
Bill Ludwig, Executive Director
229-985-1978
