In 1985, Michigan passed the Crime Victims Right Act. In 1988, this Act became Article 1, Section 24 of the Michigan State Constitution. The National Sheriff's Association; and the Michigan Sheriff's Association without exception, has taken a leading role in the issue of Victim/Witness rights. The establishment of "Victim Services Units" within individual county Sheriff's Offices in the State of Michigan was the direct result of the Michigan Sheriff's Association. Each "Victim Service Unit" duties will vary slightly but will be defined according to the needs of each individual county. In Roscommon County, the primary goals are that our Advocates will be there to help both the victim/survivor and the law enforcement officer during the initial trauma when the tragic news is given or experienced..
The Roscommon County Victim Service Unit is available to provide short term comfort and compassionate assistance by giving direction to victims and or survivors of a catastrophic crisis or incident and when appropriate act as a liaison between the victim/survivor and law enforcement officers.The Victim Services Unit volunteers, known as Advocates, provide these caring services in a professional and confidential manner to all victims equally. An Advocate Team (usually 2) are dispatched to a scene, business, or home by Central Dispatch when authorized by the shift Sergeant or Deputiy in charge of the scene from the Roscommon County Sheriff's Office. The Advocate Team on call may also be requested through Central Dispatch by other outside agencies such as; area Township Police, Fire and EMS personnel. Advocates provide compassionate comfort and direction to help families cope with the loss of a loved one, assist a victim of a crime, and offer solutions to those in need. Areas addressed may include but are not limited to: notifying other family or friends for long term support. Supplying information for; funeral arrangements and other agencies information pertinent to their situation. This Victim Services Unit is trained and certified by the Michigan Sheriff's Association and directed by the Roscommon County Sheriff's Office in order to provide short term crisis intervention to victims and their families. Victim Advocates are caring, compassionate volunteers who are recruited from the Roscommon County Community. They represent a broad cross-section of the population. Many have experienced some manner of tragedy in their own lives and have a deep seated desire to help others.The Unit has ongoing training which covers many subjects such as: the five stages of grief, law enforcement protocols, effective communication techniques, and the rights of victims in the criminal justice system. They are also provided with other state and local resources.
