The Halton Regional Police Service is pleased to announce that its Victim Services Unit (VSU) has received an Excellence in Victim Services Award from the International Association of Chiefs of Police/Login Inc. at their annual 2016 conference in San Diego.
The award recognizes law enforcement agencies worldwide that provide innovative support to crime victims through the integration of best victim response practices into all facets of their organizations. It credits agencies that exemplify a philosophy of placing victims at the centre of problem-solving efforts, and that leverage partnerships, training and performance monitoring to enhance response to victims of crime. Three awards are presented each year, as determined by the number of sworn officers in the department: small, medium and large. Halton Regional Police Service's VSU received the winning award in the large agency category.
"Our commitment to putting community first extends beyond crime prevention and investigation to ensuring that those impacted by it and other tragedies receive the support and resources they need," said Chief Stephen Tanner. "The services provided by members of our VSU are integral to this and we are immensely proud of their accomplishments."
Chief Tanner, Deputy Chief Nishan Duraiappah and Victim Services Administrator Kimberley Clark accepted the award on behalf of the Halton Regional Police Service at an award luncheon held on Monday, October 17, 2016.
The Halton Regional Police Service Victim Service Unit was founded more than 20 years ago. It is comprised of 45 highly-trained volunteers who work with first responders to provide crisis intervention, emotional support and practical assistance to individuals, families and organizations impacted by crime or tragedy, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In 2015, VSU responded to over 600 calls for service, and devoted more than 1,000 hours to supporting victims.
"We are honoured to receive this prestigious award which acknowledges the important work our Unit and volunteers do each and every day," said Ms. Clark. "Their commitment to, and compassion for, the people of Halton is unparalleled and is most deserving of this recognition."
For more information about the International Association of Chiefs of Police and its Excellence in Victim Services Award, visit www.iacp.org