The Kentucky State Police, the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet, and the federal Office of Justice Programs, within the Department of Justice, announced a new initiative on Thursday that will provide trained advocates at every KSP post in the state to support and assist victims of crime.
KSP is among the first state police agencies to implement
this program on a statewide basis.
The program, called Victim Advocate Support Services, is set
to launch this fall with a dual purpose. Advocates will administer care to
crime victims – or those involved in traumatic events – connecting them with
immediate resources, such as mental health services, crisis intervention or
legal support. These skilled professionals will also serve as liaisons between law
enforcement and the victim, simultaneously helping victims navigate the system
while allowing detectives to focus more efficiently on the details of the case.
KSP has begun interviewing and hiring victim advocates and
will begin offering services as soon as the hiring process is complete.