10/14/2006: "Victims Services Center Awarded $30,000 Grant"

The San Juan County Prosecutor's Office has been awarded $30,000 for its participation in a regional network of funding for victims of general crimes.

Prosecuting Attorney Randall K. Gaylord, said that the award is $10,000 less than last year, but he hopes that the County Council or other sources will make up the difference so that services to victims of crime will not be reduced.

"We need to be able to serve crime victims right here in San Juan County. The Victim Services Center assures that victims of crimes have someone looking out for their interest throughout the criminal justice process. In addition, if charges are not brought for any reason, the victim advocate will make the appropriate referrals to other agencies to see that the needs of the victim are met.

The Prosecutor's Victim Services Center was established in 1997 and has been funded with a patchwork of sources including federal fines and penalties, state fines and penalties, a federal STOP Grant, and the County general fund.

Mr. Gaylord observed that there is a statewide trend to build up community-based organizations, and money that used to go to prosecutor offices is being awarded to community based organizations. "These community organizations have a great benefit to victims and prosecutors, especially to victims of the most violent crimes."

"This requires that prosecutors look to more stable sources of funding for the victim services that they provide," said Gaylord. "We are here to assure that victims of crime know their rights and whether the case goes to court or not. We want to make sure this happens," said Gaylord.