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Show Area to Note National Victims of Crime Week As National Victims of Crime Week began April 14, Governor. Norm Bangerter issued a special declaration observing the week on a statewide basis in Utah. Garfield Countv's commissioners adopted a resolution in support of victims rights and declared their support for Sheriff Vic Middleton as a member of the Sheriffs Task Force on Victims Rights in Utah. Middleton declared, "The time is long overdue for all of us to be aware of and respond to the needs of victims of and witnesses to crimes. We are especially concerned about children who become victims of crime. The community and the justice system must work together so that all citizens, and especially our young, are kept safe from the harm that crime does to all of us." Cathy Holt, secretary dispatcher jailer at the Sheriff's office, is also a member of the State Task Force. She has been appointed as victim-witness advocate for Garfield County and will work closely with any victim of crime right through the judicial process. The commissioners' resolution pledges a commitment to a better understanding of the rights of victims and witnesses to help to achieve the goals of crime reduction and restoration of fairness and effectiveness to the administration of justice." Middleton issued a public policy statement in which he pointed out that his department is aware that for many persons, being a victim of crime is a first-time experience and that for many years the criminal justice system has been for the protection of the rights of the accused, often disregarding or ignoring the concerns and needs of victims and witnesses. He said his department intends .that the criminal justice system address those concerns and needs effectively and bring a balance to the system that will (a) lessen the impact of crime on victims and witnesses, and (b) allow both to participate properly in the justice process. He said it is the goal of his department to provide full information to victims and witnesses concerning the criminal justice system and its objective of justice for all, to provide notice of arrest of a suspect to victims and witnesses, and to provide full information to victims with respect to the state's Victim Compensation Act. He said his department is also committed to providing advice and assistance to victims and witnesses with regard to measures available for their protectin against intimidation and harassment from the accused or others, to give full information regarding social services available in the county, and to provide assistance to victims, where possible, with regard to transportation to hospitals, prosecutors' offices, and the court. His department will also give assistance to victims and witnesses by contacting employers and creditors relative to the victlms's situation, and encourage their full support for victims and witnesses who are cooperating with the justice system. Middleton said that the new policies will be articulated in the policy and procedures manual of his department. |