Victim Services
The Tarpon Springs Police Department is devoted to the well being of our community and its citizens. Therefore, we are committed to ensuring the rights of victims and reducing the trauma of victimization in our area. The truth is the aftermath of a crime can often bring emotional pain and trauma, along with other various hardships. It also raises confusions and questions concerning the criminal investigation and legal system. Having a qualified individual who is able to work with you on your initial trauma responses, link you to services that can assist you with recovery, as well as prepare you for your involvement in the criminal justice system can be helpful, reassuring, and empowering. As such, we often make case referrals to the State Attorney’s Office Victim Advocate to assist our victims and survivors.
A Victim Advocate can provide the following services:
· Crisis Intervention services on scene of crime
· Continued emotional support services to victims of crimes
· Information concerning stages of police department investigation and the criminal justice process
· Explain the role of the victim throughout the various processes
· Accompaniment to various court proceedings
· Link information and referrals to community resources
· Assistance in filing for Crime Victim Compensation claims and restitution
· Link victims to their rights and options
If you feel you are in need of a Victim Advocate, please contact the State Attorney’s Office Victim Advocate at 727-464-6090.
Crime Victim Rights
Section 960.001, Florida Statutes, outlines the rights victims (including the next of kin) are entitled to within the criminal justice system. http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?mode=View%20Statutes&SubMenu=1&App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=960.001&URL=CH0960/Sec001.HTM Below are a few of these rights:
· To be notified of support services available
· Notification of arrest, release or escape of the accused (if possible)
· To be informed, present, and heard, when relevant, at all criminal proceedings
· Advanced notification of all court hearings and any schedule changes (if time permits)
· A prompt and timely disposition of the case
· To submit an oral or written impact statement
· Presence of a victim advocate during discovery depositions and forensic medical exams
· Information concerning protection from victim or witness intimidation
· To be consulted by the state attorney in order to obtain the views of the victim about disposition of case
· Upon request, notification to your employer and/or school when your appearance is necessary
Information & Referrals
The State Attorney Victim Advocate works closely with local social service agencies to secure the services necessary to help crime victims and survivors. Referrals are made on the basis of the victim’s specific needs.
24 Hour Helpline for social services http://www.211tampabay.org/
Pinellas County Social/Health & Human Services http://www.pinellascounty.org/humanservices/default.htm
Area Agency on Aging http://www.agingcarefl.org/
C.A.S.A (south county domestic violence shelter/center) http://casa-stpete.org/
The Haven (north county domestic violence shelter/center) http://www.rcspinellas.org/
Family Service Centers http://www.familyservicecenters.org/
Hispanic Outreach Center http://www.hispanicoutreachcenter.org/
Help-A-Child http://www.helpachild.org/
Suncoast Hospice http://www.thehospice.org/resources_support/grief_counseling.aspx
The Life Center of Suncoast Inc http://www.lifecenteroftampa.org/
Community Law Program (legal aid) http://www.lawprogram.org/
Gulf Coast Legal Services (legal aid) http://www.gulfcoastlegal.org/
VINE (Victim Information Notification Everyday) https://www.vinelink.com/vinelink/siteInfoAction.do?siteId=10000
Pinellas County Victim Rights Coalition http://pcvrc.wordpress.com/
Pinellas County Clerk of Court Injunction for Protection Info. (site includes forms, instructions and video) http://www.pinellasclerk.org/aspInclude2/ASPInclude.asp?pageName=domestic.htm
FL Crime Victim Compensation Program http://myfloridalegal.com/pages.nsf/Main/B371D29EBE5C97748525749C00518B58
The Sixth Judicial Circuit of Florida http://www.jud6.org/
National Organization for Victim Assistance http://www.trynova.org/
The National Center for Victims of Crime http://www.ncvc.org/ncvc/Main.aspx