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RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING ACCEPTANCE OF A $70,000 CRIME VICTIM SERVICES PROSECUTORIAL GRANT FROM THE MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY, OFFICE OF JUSTICE PROGRAMS, TO PARTIALLY FUND A VICTIM SERVICES SPECIALIST POSITION IN THE CITY ATTORNEY’S OFFICE.
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CITY PROPOSAL:
RESOLVED, that the proper city officials are hereby authorized to accept a FY 25/26 crime services prosecutorial grant in the amount of $70,000 and enter into an agreement, substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A, with the Minnesota department of public safety, office of justice programs, said funds to be deposited into fund no. 210-030-3126-4210-02 (Special Projects, Finance, Crime Victims Grant, Pass-Thru Federal Grants Operating)
Statement of Purpose
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE: This resolution authorizes acceptance of a $70,000 grant award from the Minnesota department of public safety, office of justice programs, to partially fund a .8 FTE victim services specialist position in the city attorney’s office for one year. The city attorney’s office first received this grant in 2018 and established the victim services specialist position at that time. The city has continued to receive funding annually since the initial grant.
Chapter 611A of Minnesota Statutes establishes the rights of crime victims in the state of Minnesota. The victim services specialist ensures that the city attorney’s office is compliant with the law by informing victims of their rights and helping victims get access to support and community resources. In addition, the victim services specialist facilitates participation in the prosecution process by accompanying victims to court and acting as a liaison between victims and the criminal justice system. Prosecutors rely on the victim services specialist to prepare victims for hearings and trials. The victim services specialist is a vital member of the city attorney’s prosecution team.