Protecting the innocent: Victims Services provides assistance to those affected by crime
A crime is committed. Officers investigate, identify a suspect and make an arrest. Case closed, right? Not quite. The victims of the crime still must live with the lasting effects. That’s where the Temple Police Department’s Victim Services Unit comes in.
“Most people associate police departments with criminal enforcement, but it’s really a two-tiered approach to addressing criminal behavior in the community,” Crime Victim Liaison Lisa Hatfield said. “The law enforcement side investigate cases and arrest suspects, and then the victim services division will address the recovery and healing part of the process for victims and their families.”
When a crime is committed, Victim Services quickly responds to ensure victims are safe and cared for. TPD works with several community partners to offer resources and assistance to victims.
“We initially encounter them at the beginning, very shortly after a traumatizing event has occurred. We provide crisis support, access to information about the criminal justice system and the process of the criminal investigation,” Hatfield said. “We provide information about available financial resources and we assist for applying for those benefits if the victim qualifies.”
Hatfield spent more than 12 years with the Killen Police Department before joining TPD last year. Though she may see the same types of cases frequently, Hatfield must treat every situation differently based on the unique needs of each individual.
“Every case is unique. Even though we may have multiple cases that are classified as the same crime, the family dynamics and the experience that the family endured makes it unique,” she said. “Connecting with these individuals as quickly as possible to gain a better understanding of their specific situation allows us to better tailor our services to that particular family and their needs.”
She’s also responsible for updating victims and their families on the status of cases, which can mean sharing difficult news.
“Sometimes, that means we have to share information that may be difficult for them to process. We strive to provide accurate information that is not misleading with the intent to minimize the confusion and frustration that victims and their families may feel regarding the criminal justice process,” Hatfield said.
Officers and investigators will often refer victims to Hatfield immediately after a crime takes place. When they’re unable to, however, Hatfield said victims can still reach out on their own.
“Anyone who has experienced crime within the City of Temple has the ability to reach out and connect with Victim Services so that we can address the issues and concerns they may be experiencing and connect them with resources that are going to help them through the healing process,” Hatfield said. “They don’t have to wait to be contacted by us.”
Police Chief Shawn Reynolds said the unit’s work embodies the department’s mission of service to the community.
“Our mission to protect and serve goes far beyond putting offenders in jail,” Reynolds said. “When our residents are victimized, we will be there to treat them with compassion and dignity while we ensure they get the help they need.”
Hatfield’s role requires that she interact with people during some of the darkest times of their lives, but she is committed to providing this service in a respectful and compassionate manner.
“Although it is disheartening that such a service is needed, I am honored to be able to help victims and their families navigate through the criminal justice system at the law enforcement level," Hatfield said.