
Local Victim Advocates Honored During National Crime
Victims’ Rights Week
From: News Release 4/11/18
GCN
Jackson, Miss. – In observance of National Crime Victims’ Rights
Week, April 8-14, 2018, the United States Attorney’s Office for the
Southern District of Mississippi held a Crime Victims’ Rights Awards
Ceremony today to recognize law enforcement professionals who have
demonstrated exceptional service to crime victims within the Southern
District of Mississippi.
"In law enforcement, we are sworn to serve and protect,"
Attorney General Sessions said. "We carry out this oath every
day by protecting the rights of law abiding people from
criminals and by achieving justice for crime victims. This week,
we remember the millions of Americans who have been victimized
by criminals and we thank those who have gone above and beyond
the call of duty in their service to those victims. As we do so,
we recommit ourselves to fulfilling our oath and to reducing
crime in America."
"While fighting crime, we must remember why we do this – for
people. We take our responsibility very seriously to protect
people from crimes and to help victims after crimes have
occurred. I commend these individuals for their outstanding
service to victims and their families and for their steadfast
and unwavering support and pursuit of justice," said U.S.
Attorney Mike Hurst.
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U.S. Attorney Hurst made the following awards presentations during
today’s ceremony:
AUSA Victim Assistance Award : Glenda R.
Haynes,
Assistant U.S.
Attorney. This award recognizes an AUSA who is an extraordinary advocate
for the rights of victims and demonstrates exceptional commitment to the
pursuit of justice. Ms. Haynes’ professional dealings with victims are
honest and effective, reflecting well on the United States Attorney’s
Office and furthering the goal of restorative justice.
Special Agent Victim Assistance Award : Todd
Key,
Special Agent, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security
Investigations. This award recognizes a Special Agent who consistently
displays superior investigative skills and sensitivity to the rights and
needs of victims. Special Agent Key has demonstrated steadfast
persistence and dependability during the all phases of the investigation
and prosecution of cases involving victims of crime.
Support Staff Victim Assistance Award : Lisa
Dunn,
Legal Assistant, U.S. Attorney’s Office, Gulfport branch. This award
recognizes a support staff member who goes above and beyond the call of
duty to assist victims. Mrs. Dunn consistently promotes trust and
confidence between victims and advocates and provides exceptional
support to victims in direct communication and through court
preparation.
State/Local Law Enforcement Victim Assistance Award :
Richard Johnson,
FBI Task Force Officer and Special Investigator with the Mississippi
Attorney General’s Office. This award recognizes a member of state or
local law enforcement that exhibits professionalism and superior service
and sensitivity to victims. Johnson has been unwavering in his efforts
to restore a sense of security and trust to victims, while also
vigorously pursuing justice. A notable example of his exceptional work
involved a particularly heinous federal criminal case with multiple
child victims.
Crime Victim Service Legacy Assistance Award :
Marge Whitmarsh,
FBI Victim Specialist. This award recognizes an extraordinary individual
whose dedication to crime victim advocacy has been particularly
noteworthy. Ms. Whitmarsh has a passion for helping crime victims. She
works tirelessly to facilitate justice for victims by promoting and
ensuring their legal rights.
Each year in April, the Department of Justice and United States
Attorney’s Offices observe National Crime Victims’ Rights Week
nationwide by taking time to honor victims of crime and those who
advocate on their behalf. In addition, the Justice Department and U.S.
Attorney’s Offices organize events to honor the victims and advocates,
as well as bring awareness to services available to victims of crime.
This year’s observance takes place April 8-14, with the theme
Expand the
Circle: Reach All Victims.
The Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime, within the
Office of Justice Programs, leads communities across the country in
observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week each year. President
Ronald Reagan proclaimed the first National Crime Victims’ Rights Week
in 1981 to bring greater sensitivity to the needs and rights of victims
of crime.
The Office of Justice Programs provides innovative leadership to
federal, state, local, and tribal justice systems, by disseminating
state-of-the art knowledge and practices across America, and providing
grants for the implementation of these crime fighting strategies.
Because most of the responsibility for crime control and prevention
falls to law enforcement officers in states, cities, and neighborhoods,
the federal government can be effective in these areas only to the
extent that it can enter into partnerships with these officers. More
information about the Office of Justice Programs and its components can
be found at www.ojp.gov. More information about Crime Victim’s Rights
Week can be found at https://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ncvrw/. You may also contact
the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Jackson at 601-965-4

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