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Click here for other contact numbers Dispatch: 269-657-3101 Admin: 269-657-2006 Jail Information: 269-657-2171 |
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 Submit Silent Observer tips here  Submit CrimeStoppers tips here  |
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Victims Services Unit |
    
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When to request services
How to request services
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Click on blue underlined links for more information. |
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The Van Buren County Victim Services Unit is a trained volunteer group under the direction of the Van Buren County Sheriff's Office, the Michigan Sheriff's Association and the Coordination of Deanne Polomcak. Dedicated to helping victims, survivors and their loved ones work through a crisis or crime, they are the helping hands of the police, fire and medical personnel. The Victim Services Unit frees authorities to do their job without leaving victims alone or feeling ignored. The objective of the unit is to assist and their efforts are focused on avoiding further victimization. The unit is designed to comfort and help victims immediately after an incident by providing short-term crisis intervention. Having no personal reference for traumatic events, most victims feel lost and in need of guidance. They can offer answers to such common questions as what happens next, funeral preparations, why an autopsy is needed, why a crime scene takes so long to process and who will guide them through the court system. Referrals can also be made to appropriate agencies and services within the community. On scene, the Victim Services Unit plays a vital role by lending support and assisting victims and witnesses through the initial shock of trauma. The Unit can separate victims from the scene of an investigation while maintaining a link to officers for the victim's questions and concerns. At a secondary site, they can stay after officers leave, working to pull a support system of close friends, family or church personnel into place. WHEN TO REQUEST THEIR SERVICES
HOW TO REQUEST THE VSU Victim Services Unit volunteers can be requested by any police department, fire department or hospital within the county, or by volunteers themselves. They will respond, twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, to the scene, police agencies or other locations. To request the VSU, contact the Van Buren County Sheriff's Office Dispatch at (269) 657-3101. MICHIGAN CRIME VICTIM NOTIFICATION NETWORK The Michigan Crime Victim Notification Network is a service through which victims of crime can use the telephone or internet to search for information regarding their offender's custody status and register to receive telephone and e-mail notification when the offender's custody status changes. This service is brought to you by the Michigan Department of Community Health, Crime Victim Services Commission. Click here to register for notification from the Michigan Crime Victim Notification Network. Contact the Michigan Crime Victim Notification Network at 1-800-770-7657. VAN BUREN COUNTY VICTIM SERVICES UNIT WEBSITE VSU VOLUNTEERS TRAINING AND APPLICANTS If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please review the training and skills below. You will also be able to download and fill-out an application form below. To download the form, you will need Acrobat Reader on your computer. You can also email the unit with questions, comments, or concerns if needed at the following address: Click here to send us an email.
Click to visit the Van Buren County Victim Services Unit Website
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