Page 13 - Delaware County Sheriff Annual Report
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FROM THE SHERIFF’S DESK
....
March 26, 2012
The Delaware County Sheriff’s Office Honors
New York Sheriffs’ Victim Hotline and other critical Victim Services during
National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (April 22 - 28, 2012)
Each year crime victims, survivors, and those who serve them join together to commemorate National
Crime Victims’ Rights Week. This year’s theme is “Extending the Vision, Reaching Every Victim.” This is
an ambitious undertaking, calling upon us all to expand the vision that inspired the movement as we celebrate
the progress that has been achieved to date.
Each year in America 21 million people suffer the indignity of crimes that affect them emotionally,
physically, financially and spiritually.
Each year the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office reaffirms its commitment to respect and enforce
victims’ rights and reassess their needs during Crime Victims’ Rights Week, as well as throughout the year.
I can recall a time when victims had no voice in the criminal justice system. The families of murder
victims used to be excluded from courtrooms and assault victims paid all their own medical bills. Now every
state has a victims’ bill of rights and a victim compensation program and more than 10,000 victim assistance
programs operate in communities across the nation. Although we have made great strides, more challenges lie
ahead.
Our primary goal is to reach every victim because some victims are never notified when an offender
goes to trial or files an appeal. There are still some courts denying victims their right to be heard during court
proceedings, failing to order restitution or compensation and denying protective orders to keep victims safe.
We, as advocates, must continue to fight for these core victims’ rights at every turn and reemphasize the
obvious: Victims
HAVE
rights.
In Delaware County, we support use of the NewYork Sheriffs’ VictimHotline or VINE, which is a free,
confidential service that notifies crime victims by phone and e-mail when an offender is released from jail or
prison. Since 1994 when the automated victim notification services became available, more than 102 million
notifications have been delivered to crime victims, as well as other concerned citizens across America. You
may contact VINE at (1-888-VINE-4-NY) or go to
to find out more information.
FROM THE SHERIFF’S DESK....
April 27, 2012
May is National Bicycle Safety Month
May is National Bicycle Safety Month. Bicycle riding is a fun, healthy activity when everyone takes
the time to be informed about safety. Bicycles are considered vehicles in New York State, and cyclists have
the same rights and responsibilities to follow the rules of the road as motorists. The following safety tips are
being offered to you (and particularly our children) in attempt to keep you safe on our roads.
Equipment/Clothing:
