City of Grand Rapids issued the following announcement on Oct. 12.
In four short months, the City’s new victim services coordinator is making a significant impact on the Grand Rapids Police Department’s (GRPD) strategic value of service – through compassion, empathy and courage. Clorissa Novak, victim services coordinator with the GRPD, has used her skills as a professional social worker to help ensure hundreds of victims of crime can access support.
As part of its philosophy in reshaping and reimagining policing – now outlined in its new strategic plan –the Grand Rapids Police Department included a victim specialist position in its 2020/2021 Fiscal Year budget. The City Commission approved the civilian position, funded by a three-year federal grant, to help fill the gaps in services to victims of violent crime – especially focusing on victims of crime who do not have established support services in the community and those whose cases are not prosecuted. It is the first time the department has offered this type of service to aid victims of crimes reported to GRPD.
Novak, in heading the Victim Services Unit, is responsible for:
- Case management
- Connection to resources
- Education on victims’ rights and the criminal justice process
- Crisis intervention
- Assisting with crime victim compensation applications
- Helping to connect victims to investigators, if the victims desire
“I want to make sure that victims have access to services and let them know what’s out there to hopefully help them in their healing,” she said.
Novak has made great strides in assisting victims, exceeding program goals and service projections. The Police Department expected to assist 2,020 victims over a three-year period (1,080 through correspondence and 940 by personal phone call). Since June 1, Novak has already corresponded with 664 victims and spoke to another 315 victims on the phone.
Even if a victim does not want to talk to investigators or engage in their case in any way, they can still reach out to Novak for assistance. She says no matter their level of engagement with the department, their background, or the outcome of the case, victims can get help.
“I hope they take away that there is hope and that they are not in this alone in what they are going through,” Novak said. “It can be hard when you have been a victim of a crime to see a light or see an end to how you are feeling. I can’t take everything that they are feeling away, but I hope they realize that there are people that support them and want to help.”
Novak explained that victims decide how involved they want to be with her. Contacts can be as simple as a phone call or they can require long term involvement. Many victims that she contacts respond with, ‘I’m really glad that you exist, but I’m good.’ Others value the contact and welcome a personal visit with her multiple times. Novak can be in regular contact with the victim trying to get their basic needs met, helping them process what they are feeling, or walking them through complicated systems. It all depends on what they need.
Chief Eric Payne said Novak is a great addition to the department.
“She takes immense pride in the service she provides.” Payne said. “I know our residents value the service. Many victims of crime that she contacts say they had no idea that this service was available; others are at least glad that someone from our department checked in with them. This type of engagement is a key aspect of the future of policing and I am proud that our City and our department are able to offer this service.”
Original source can be found here.
Source: City of Grand Rapids
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