MACKINAC CO., MI -- An effort is underway in Mackinac County to create a victim support network.
The Sheriff and prosecutor's offices are looking for volunteers to be a part of their new program.
Volunteers would take a 20 hour class put on by the Sheriff to learn how to handle victims of an emergency and give the proper comfort, aid, and resources that the family may need.
He says having a program like this would help his officers focus on the task at hand, rather than wanting to help comfort victims.
"The victims services will help fill that gap so the police officers can focus on documenting the scene and do their investigation while not neglecting the needs of victims here," said Mackinac County Sheriff Scott Strait.
"Having people trained out there that know what's going on and being able to explain that to the families that show up on the scene or going to a death notification with an officer, these people are essential," said Courtney Aldrich, the Crime Victims' Rights Advocate with the Mackinac County Prosecutor's Office.
The Sheriff says the county is one of the few in the state that doesn't currently have a program like this in place.
If you're interested in signing up, contact the Mackinac County Sheriff's Office at (906)643-1911.
