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Victim Advocate Program (VAP)

Program description

The Victim Advocate Program (VAP) provides comfort and compassion to a person who may have just experienced the worst event in their life.

Mission

Our dedicated volunteer advocates are thoroughly trained here at the MCSO to respond to scenes of crime and other traumatic incidents. Advocates make referrals to appropriate community agencies, depending on the needs of the victim. They sometimes arrange for temporary lodging or food, transportation to a safe place, or repair doors or locks that are damaged in the commission of a crime. Mostly they just listen.

Advocate Mesa County Sheriff's Office logo

Victim services

If you or someone you know is a victim of a crime. Learn more about the resources and rights available to you.

Interested in volunteering?

We train you!

Once training is complete, a new VAP will shadow a veteran volunteer until they are comfortable responding on their own.

Photograph of a male Victim Services Advocate speaking to a female victim while they sit at bar in Kitchen area
Photograph of Female Mesa County Sheriff's Office Advocate with a white mask on working with a victim complete paperwork sitting on a couch in their living room

Time commitment

  • VAPs are then asked to sign-up for at least three 12 hour shifts per month.
  • Shifts can be selected according to your schedule, and time off for vacation is accommodated.
  • We also ask that you attend our monthly information and training meeting.

Volunteer Programs - Application (Revised 2021)

Eligibility requirements

  • Have an insured vehicle available during your shifts
  • Have a current and valid driver’s license
  • Able to commit a few hours per month for at least a one year period
  • Have a desire to help victims in need
  • Successful completion of our training program

Shift requirements

  • Advocates choose shifts according to their own schedule
  • Day or night shifts are available, seven days per week
  • The shifts are 12 hours and the requirement is 3 per month
  • During a shift, an advocate can go about their normal routine as long as they can respond immediately when called

Training classes

  • Trauma response and early intervention
  • Dynamics of Domestic Violence
  • Assisting the bereaved
  • Children as Victims
  • Assisting victims of sexual assault
  • Working within "The System"
  • Community resources available in Mesa County
Photograph of a Mesa County Sheriff Deputy teaching a Victim Assistance Program class. Deputy pointing at white board while talking to a group of people sitting around tables

Contact information

If you are interested in becoming a member of the Victim Advocate Program:

  • Complete an application
  • Contact the Mesa County Sheriff's Office Victim Advocate Coordinator

Victim Advocate Coordinator

Tracy Baker