Trending
WHEELING -- Wheeling police are preparing to launch a victims' advocacy program within the department to assist victims of violent crime navigate the criminal justice system.
The department is hiring two people for the program -- a victim specialist and victim/advocate coordinator -- and accepting applications through Saturday.
The program will be funded for three years through a $272,464 federal grant from the Department of Justice's Office of Victims of Crimes. Wheeling police Chief Shawn Schwertfeger said his department was just one of 34 cities across the country to receive the grant when it was announced in early October.
"Victim advocacy programming is something I've wanted ... for a long time," Schwertfeger said. "I didn't think we had a chance. I was blown away. I did not expect it."
This funding is different than the federal "Project Safe Neighborhoods" grant of $295,163 that Wheeling police received earlier this month from the Department of Justice.
Schwertfeger said there often is a "huge loophole" for crime victims who experienced sexual assault, domestic battery, child abuse or neglect but don't know how to work through the criminal justice system or know what services are available to them. He said a victim advocate can walk people through follow-up medical care, psychological needs, requesting restitution and writing a victim impact statement to be read in court.
Police officers and detectives do not have the time needed to assist victims through the entire process, Schwertfeger said, which is why this program will be so crucial.
"Law enforcement officers get into this career because of our innate desire to help crime victims," Schwertfeger. "The police officers and detectives don't necessarily have enough time … so at the end of the day, it makes Wheeling police a much more professional agency, a 21st century police agency."
He hopes to have the two positions filled by the end of January and then form an advisory committee to monitor the program's progress.
"It's a great opportunity. I'm excited as all get-out," Schwertfeger said. "It's an opportunity to provide services to victims, and that's what we want to do."
The salary for the victim specialist position is $28,000, while the victim/advocate coordinator role pays $35,000 per year. Schwertfeger said the department is looking for candidates with education or experience in social work, psychology or criminal justice, and that they should have knowledge or experience with the criminal justice system.
People can apply by sending their cover letter and resume to Wheeling's Human Resources Department at 1500 Chapline Street, Room 301, Wheeling, WV 26003, or by emailing the application to thaymaker@wheelingwv.gov. More information on the positions can be found under job postings at www.wheelingwv.gov/departments/HumanResources.