The Brighton and Commerce City Police departments are seeking highly-motivated individuals to become Volunteer Victim Advocates for the Victim Services Unit (VSU). Volunteer Victim Advocates provide on-scene crisis intervention with victims and witnesses of crime, sudden death and other emergency situations. Volunteer Victim Advocates also provide support, information and referrals. Advocates provide assistance with the criminal justice system and victim rights information in both communities.  

“Our Volunteer Victim Advocates play a crucial role in our service to crime victims,” said Kim Messina, Victim Services Manager. “We are lucky to have such caring individuals in our community who volunteer their time for this important role and hope to see more of those folks come forward this time around.” 

Each volunteer is required to cover a minimum of four 12-hour shifts per month. Each volunteer receives 40 hours of training before responding to calls on their own. Volunteers must be 21 years of age or older, have a valid driver’s license and auto insurance, commit to one year of service, and pass an extensive background screening.

To become a volunteer, fill out an application at www.governmentjobs.com/careers/brightonco/jobs/2954573/volunteer-victim-advocate. You can also email your application to srodriguez@brightonco.gov. Applications are also available at the Brighton and Commerce City Police Departments.

For questions, contact Kim Messina at kmessina@brightonco.gov or 303-655-2308 or Soyla Rodriguez at srodriguez@brightonco.gov or 303-655-2344. 

More about the Victims Services Unit: 

The VSU provides support and services to victims of crime or traumatic situations such as domestic violence, traffic fatalities, assaults and sexual assaults. VSU provides crisis intervention 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In August 2014, the Commerce City and Brighton victim services units merged to better serve victims in both communities and help increase the amount of full-time advocates. To learn more about the program, go to brightonco.gov/victimservices.