Victim Services Unit
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Emmet County Sheriff Peter A. Wallin is looking for volunteers to join the Emmet County Sheriff’s Office Victim Services Unit.
The Emmet County Sheriff’s Office Victim Services Unit is funded by grants from the Baiardi Family Foundation Fund, Michigan Sheriff’s Association and the United Parcel Service.
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, turn in a completed application (see link below) to the Emmet County Sheriff’s Office, 450 Bay St., Petoskey MI. If you are unable to print the online application, paper copies are available at the Sheriff’s Office. For more information contact the Emmet County Sheriff’s Office at 231-347-2032.
Victim Service Unit Volunteer Application
History
When Sheriff Wallin was appointed Sheriff in 2002, one of his many goals was to create a Victim Services Unit. Sheriff Wallin recognized the need for a specialized group of highly trained individuals, who could assist those individuals at the time of a crisis in their life. The Sheriff immediately began to research this very important endeavor. Through countless hours of volunteer training the unit was formed. The advocates work with Law-Enforcement, and all other emergency services.
What is the Victim Services Unit?
The Victim Services unit is a group of volunteers dedicated to helping victims cope with a crisis, or a crime against them. The volunteers are a cross-section of the community, that have been recruited through various community and service organizations. They are the helping hands of the police, fire and medical personnel – freeing emergency personnel to do their jobs without leaving the victim feeling forgotten, excluded or ignored.
The Victims Services Unit is Designed to:
- Provide immediate comfort and help to the victims
- Make referrals to appropriate agencies and services according to need.
- Serve as a go-between for the victims, their families, scene officials and emergency service providers.
How it Works
The advocates are available 24 hours a day. Victim Service advocates are requested through the Emmet County Sheriff’s Office. Two advocates respond to any request for assistance. The advocates are available to respond to calls of: homicide, suicide, and natural deaths, fatal or natural disasters, drownings, auto and recreational vehicle accidents, and other catastrophes as needed. Advocates make initial contact with victims and families and place a follow-up call. They are not counselors and will not be involved in a long-term relationship.
In situations where there is a death, advocates may accompany deputies to the residence. The officers will make the death notification and leave when deemed appropriate. The advocates will remain with the family and help contact other family members, clergy, neighbors, friends, and may make initial contacts with the funeral home. The advocate will remain with the family until an adequate support group is in place.
Benefits to Emergency Personnel
By having the advocates present, emergency personnel will be able to return to the scene, perform follow-up, or complete the report. The program is designed to relieve some of the emotional stress from the emergency persons and provide emotional support for the families and victims.
All advocates complete training with the Michigan Sheriffs’ Association. Their purpose is to assist the Sheriff’s Office and the victims, not to gather information or serve as witnesses. They are equipped with various forms of identification which identifies them as members of the Emmet County Sheriff’s Office Victims Services Unit.
Motivation
Advocates are motivated by a true desire to help people in times of need. They sincerely strive to treat victims and their families with dignity, compassion, concern and respect.
Confidentiality
Confidentiality is required and strictly adhered to by all advocates. Information is shared with associate advocates ONLY in the event they need to assume responsibility for the case. Victims are informed that the one exception to this rule is that whatever they say can be repeated to the investigator in the event that it will help the case
Commitment
Advocates are very dedicated individuals. Their commitment is proven through the many hours of volunteer training they receive. They welcome and encourage your comments which might help future victims cope with a life altering crisis. For Questions or comments please contact the Emmet County Sheriff’s Office.
Links to additional resources for victims:
Child missing
Violent Crime
Grief
Domestic Violence
Get notified when an offender is released
Important Phone Numbers
All Emergencies | 9-1-1 |
Emmet County Prosecutor’s Office | (231) 348-1725 |
Northern Michigan Hospital | (231) 487-4000 |
Third Level Crisis Intervention Center | (800) 442-7315 |
Community Mental Health | (231) 347-7890 |
Emmet County United Way | (231) 487-1006 |
Women’s Resource Center | (231) 347-0082 |
Domestic Abuse | (800) 275-1995 |
Vital Care (Grief Support) | (800) 342-7711 |
American Red Cross | (231) 348-7666 |
Salvation Army | (231) 347-3531 |
Mothers Against Drunk Driving | (800) 323-MADD |
Emmet County Protective Services | (231)348-1600 |