Police - Victim Assistance

About Glendale Victim Assistance Services:

Believing victim involvement in the Criminal Justice System to be critical both to fair and efficient administration of justice as well as for the empowerment of those people who have been victimized, the City of Glendale initiated a program of victim services – called the “Citizen Participation and Support Project” –  in 1975.  The Glendale Victim Assistance Program is thus one of the oldest victim assistance programs in the United States and was actively involved in the evolution of services to crime victims.

In 1979, the National Sheriff’s Association selected Glendale Victim Assistance as a model program.  In 1983 the National Organization for Victim Assistance selected Glendale Victim Assistance Services to receive one of the inaugural “Tadini Bacigalupi Awards” for comprehensive victim services.  In 1992 the program was recognized by the National Victim Center as an exemplary program of victim services.

In November 2000, the Victim Assistance Unit, along with the GPD Sex Crimes and Family Violence Units,   relocated into the West Valley Advocacy Center, a facility which also houses forensic examination and interview facilities, a mental health treatment agency, and a work unit of Arizona Child Protective Services.  Currently the unit has an authorized strength of 5 full time Victim Assistance Caseworkers.  In addition to the full-time Caseworker staff, the unit includes several part-time and support staff as well as a group of trained, experienced volunteers. 

Mission Statement

The mission of the Victim Assistance Program of Glendale Police Department is to provide comprehensive services to victims and their families who are affected by crime, to help them regain stability in their lives, and help them exert their rights.