Victim Advocate

The Victim Services Team of the Westminster Police Department consists of three full time staff advocates supervised by the Victim Services Coordinator. Staff advocates respond to calls for service from 5:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday - Friday.

Volunteer advocates, also supervised by the Team Coordinator, respond to calls for service from 5:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m., Monday - Friday and both day and night shifts on the weekends.  Night shifts are from 5:00 p.m. - 5:00 a.m. the following morning.

Victim Advocates provide support, information and referrals to victims of crime and or personal tragedy.  Advocates act in an on-call capacity, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

How to become a Volunteer Victim Advocate:

To become a volunteer victim advocate, you must fill out a city volunteer application and pass a background check, including a polygraph examination.  Prospective advocates must also successfully complete a 40 hour training program and attend a monthly meeting.  It is also requirement to sign up for three (3) 12 hour on-call shifts each month.

Training sessions are held twice a year, in the fall and in the spring.  Volunteers must sign a one year commitment.  Upon completion of the commitment, volunteers receive a certificate of completion. Upon completion of two years service, volunteers are eligible to attend the Colorado Organization of Victim's Assistance conference in Keystone, Colorado.

The department will provide you with the supplies necessary to perform the duties of a Victim Advocate.  These supplies include a pager, training manual, call-out bag and a resource list.  There is no charge for the training or supplies.

Being a Victim Advocate has many rewards.   It is an opportunity to give back to your community in a way that has a positive impact on many.  If you are interested or have further questions, contact the Victim Services Coordinator at 303-658-4211.

For more information, contact the volunteer coordinator at 303-658-2159, or e-mail volunteer@cityofwestminster.us.