Explanation
BACKGROUND
The purpose of this ordinance is to appropriate $50,000.00 in the Public Safety Initiative subfund for the Columbus Division of Police to establish a victim/witness assistance program pilot.
The victim/witness assistance program pilot will empower constituents to come forward and report criminal acts they witness or are the victim of while reducing the barrier of retaliation fears. Detectives will be authorized to provide small amounts of immediate funding to victims and witnesses to ensure that they can safely report the crime to eliminate a gap in assistance that exists prior to indictment of the suspected offender. Monies will only be used in this pilot for victims/witnesses of shootings, homicides, felony domestic violence and felony stalking, and are to be used for temporary transportation, housing, or other needs. Often there is a delay between suspect identification and the filing of criminal charges as evidence is evaluated, and during this interim period many victims/witnesses face legitimate threats of retaliation. In addition, some suspects are released on bail/bond, but through discovery have full access to the residential information of witnesses against them. Domestic violence and stalking victims are often financially tied to the perpetrator and cannot afford to escape the offender who could threaten their life. This program is intended to prevent serious harm or death by enabling these victims, or potential victims, to escape to safety.
This ordinance authorizes the appropriation of $50,000.00 within the Public Safety Initiative subfund.
FISCAL IMPACT: Total appropriation is $50,000.00 and is available in the 2020 budget within the Public Safety Initiative subfund, Fund 1000-100016.
Title
To appropriate $50,000.00 within the Public Safety Initiative subfund to the Department of Public Safety, on behalf of the Division of Police, to establish a victim/witness assistance program pilot. ($50,000.00)
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