Victim Services
Compassionate Support for Victims of Crime, 24/7
The Victim Services Unit (VSU) of Adams County provides 24/7 crisis response, emotional support, and guidance to individuals and families impacted by crime or trauma. Our trained volunteers offer on-scene assistance, help you understand your rights under the Victims’ Rights Act, and support you through each step of the criminal justice process.
With compassion, respect, and care, the VSU is committed to helping you feel safe, supported, and informed during a difficult time.
Explore Our Victim Services Unit (VSU) Core Services
The Victim Services Unit offers compassionate, around-the-clock support to individuals and families affected by crime or crisis in Adams County. Our trained advocates provide emotional care, help you understand your rights, and connect you with the resources needed to begin healing.
The Victim Services Unit (VSU) is a volunteer-based program serving unincorporated Adams County. The VSU operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to provide on-scene crisis intervention to victims and families of criminal and critical incidents.
Understanding your rights as they pertain to the Victims’ Rights Act (VRA).
- Assisting you with a long-term safety plan that could help you and/or your family remain safe.
- Determining which local resources will ensure that your household remains functional.
- Leaving informational material to help answer questions that may develop along the way.
Answering questions about the criminal justice process and what will likely happen next.
How to seek financial compensation and the eligibility requirements for expenses incurred as a result of a crime defined in the VRA.
- Assisting you, and/or your family, with concerns about safety and security immediately following a criminal incident.
- To help contact family, friends, employers on your behalf when the words are too difficult to say.
- Explaining the emotional burden you may experience as a result of the incident.
Comprehensive Assistance When You Need It Most
The Victim Services Unit would like the first opportunity to assist you with any questions, comments, or concerns you may be having at any point during the law enforcement process. Our goal is to offer the best support, resources, and assistance with finding answers to questions regarding your case to the very best of our ability. However, if you feel we have failed to meet this objective, you may also request assistance from the Division of Criminal Justice Office for Victims’ Programs at 303-239-5719 or 1-888-282-1080.
Emotional and Crisis Support
VSU advocates provide immediate, on-scene emotional care to help victims and families manage the psychological impact of trauma. They can also assist with notifying loved ones when words are hard to find.
Safety and Security Planning
The unit offers practical support in creating safety plans tailored to your situation and can connect you with community resources to help maintain stability and safety.
Justice Process Guidance
VSU helps demystify the criminal justice system by explaining what to expect, answering questions, and guiding victims through each step of the legal process.
Financial Compensation Resources
Advocates explain eligibility requirements and assist with accessing crime-related financial support available under the Victims’ Rights Act, such as help with medical bills, counseling, or lost wages.
Mission and Values
- Recognize the impact of violence on the lives of victims and families who live and work in our community. Work with them to achieve safety, prevent future violence, and educate about the effects of criminal and critical incidents.
- Offer compassion, non-judgmental support, understanding, and respect.
- Provide information, education, and advocacy that will contribute to empowerment, dignity, and self-determination.
- Provide a dependable environment that allows individuals affected by criminal and critical incidents to begin to regain a sense of control over their lives and trust in others.
- Support individuals in a capacity that will allow for emotional growth, positive change, and independent decision making.
- Keep all client information confidential.
Make a Difference in Moments That Matter
Become a volunteer with the Victim Services Unit and provide critical support to individuals and families in crisis. Your compassion can bring comfort, strength, and hope when it’s needed most.
Contact the Detectives Division
Reach out to our team for more information or assistance with ongoing investigations.
Adam Sherman
Commander | DetectivesMark Mitchell
Commander | Detectives