MARQUETTE COUNTY, Mich. (WZMQ) – The Michigan Sheriff’s Association sponsored training sessions over the weekend to aid officers in the field when helping victims.
Victim services outreach is usually done by officers to assist the victims of crimes. It can range from emotional support and aid, to getting qualified medical care, to funeral information services. When at a crime scene, victims can need assistance of all kinds, this training ensures those needs are met.
With the shortage of officers in The UP, community members are being trained to assist officers and aid victims when needed.
“Well, so often victims are just left on their own to help battle whatever’s happening,” said Marquette County Sheriff Greg Zyburt. “It’s important to remember, we have our job to do, and you have to remember about the victim’s circumstances.”
Sheriff Zyburt said the task force is called in to aid officers, so the proper time can be taken while allowing officers to continue to other important calls.
These volunteers are retired community members from across the Upper Peninsula, others work at similar agencies like The UP Human Trafficking Task Force.
“They’re dedicated, to be able to spend the time that is needed with that victim, with the family,” said Stephanie Graef, a volunteer with the Victim Service Unit, and the president of the Upper Peninsula Human Trafficking Task Force. “To help answer these questions, what’s happening, and why is it taking so long? And just kind of being their dedicated support system.”
These training sessions hosted by the Marquette County Sheriff Department. To learn more click here.
