Sheriff

Volunteer Victim Advocates

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Are you ready to make a real difference in the lives of those who have experienced hardship? 

The Larimer County Sheriff's Office is on the lookout for compassionate and dedicated community members to join our Victim Response Team. As a volunteer, you'll be stepping into a vital role, offering emotional support and crisis intervention to crime victims throughout Larimer County.

Empower victims and transform lives. You'll undergo comprehensive and continuous training in the intricacies of victimization and victim assistance. With hands-on experience in providing support to those in need, you'll become a beacon of hope in the darkest moments. Not only that, but you'll also gain invaluable insights into law enforcement and the criminal justice system - expanding your horizons while contributing to a safer community.

Unite with a passionate team. Join a team with a rich history of serving victims since 1994. Our Victim Response Team, comprised of dedicated community volunteers, is authorized by the Larimer County Sheriff's Office. We're a 24/7 crisis intervention squad, always ready to leap into action to offer immediate assistance and support to victims and our community. Together, we're a force to be reckoned with, fostering a culture of learning and growth while ensuring victims' rights are upheld. 

 

 

Become a volunteer Victim's Advocate today!

FAQs

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  1. What are the responsibilities of a volunteer with the Victim Response Team?

    The following statements are illustrative of the duties and responsibilities of the job. The organization retains the right to modify or change the duties and responsibilities of the job at any time.

    • Provides advocacy and immediate crisis intervention for victims of crime.
    • Assesses immediate victim needs and provides referrals and follows-up services.
    • Acts as a liaison between victims and the criminal justice system.
    • Provides victims with information on other proceedings.
    • Ensures that victims are aware of their rights under the Colorado Crime Compensation Act and the Colorado Law and assists them in applying for appropriate funds if necessary.
    • Completes necessary reports and documenting services rendered and activities performed.
    • Represents this agency in a positive and professional manner when contacting victims or citizens in general.
    • Attends monthly support and training meetings.
    • Attends Patrol briefings and area meetings as required.
    • When a local declaration of emergency or disaster is declared by the Board of Commissioners, all Larimer County employees may be required to work as a Disaster Service Worker.
    • Performs other duties as appropriate or necessary for performance of the job.
  2. What does a volunteer with the Victim Response Team do?

    What you'll do:

    On-scene assistance. Be the guiding light for crime victims during their most challenging moments, providing hands-on help when they need it most. 

    Emotional support. Lend a compassionate ear and a caring heart, offering solace and understanding to those in distress. 

    Knowledge is power. In providing and explaining a victim rights pamphlet, you will educate victims about the legal rights afforded them under Title 24 in the Colorado Statutes, empowering them with the resources they need to navigate their situation confidently.

    Beyond crime victims. Our impact extends beyond crime scenes. We offer support in various situations,  including suicides, unattended deaths, family problems, fires, missing persons, and death notifications. In this way, we show our community they are never alone. 

  3. What qualifications do I need to have to apply?
    • Minimum age: 21 years old.
    • Residence in Larimer County.
    • Possess a valid driver's license, be able to provide your own transportation, and have appropriate auto insurance.
    • Possess a high school diploma or GED.

    Required scheduling and availability:
     

    • Minimum one year commitment to the program.
    • Ability to work on-call, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
    • Minimum availability to take six 12-hour on-call shifts per month.
    • Mandatory attendance to monthly Victim Response Team meetings.

    Required training once you start:
     

    • Complete initial training, including an 8-hour ride-along with a deputy.
    • As a part of continuous training, go on an annual 8-hour ride-along with a deputy.
    • Observe the Communications Unit (dispatch).

    Applicants must meet all of the following:

    • Be legally authorized to work in the United States
    • Cannot have a felony conviction
    • No convictions involving domestic violence
    • No use of illegal drugs within the past five years
  4. What training do you offer for the position?

    Once the hiring process is completed, onboarding training is completed with a staff member. Training is held with Fort Collins Police Services and Loveland Police Department and provides an understanding of local resources within the community. Our goal is to hold this training at a minimum of once per year,  twice per year as needed. This training is approximately 40 hours.

  5. What does the On-Call schedule look like? How many shifts do I work?

    The Victim Response Unit is on call 365 days a year, 24/7, which includes weekdays, nights, weekends and holidays. Each shift is 12-hours and goes from 6 a.m.- 6 p.m. and/or 6 p.m. - 6 a.m. We ask that you take six shifts a month with no fewer than four. Volunteers provide our team with at least eight to ten possible dates you can help with on-call, and we will generate a calendar with your scheduled on-call dates for the month.

  6. What equipment does a volunteer need and what is provided?

    Each volunteer gets equipment provided by the unit, which includes: 

    • Agency pamphlets
    • Unit clothing
    • Pager (where information is received to contact victim(s) by phone or on scene), and
    • Other items for victims that may be useful when out on a scene.
  7. Are there mandatory meetings?

    The Victim Response Team meets every 2nd Tuesday of the month from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m., unless it is on a holiday, then it is rescheduled.

  8. What does the onboarding process look like?

    Volunteers will go through an oral board, background check, and polygraph exam.

  9. Do we respond to a scene alone?

    You will respond with a partner until you are familiar with the requirements. We have a primary (seasoned advocate/staff) and a secondary (new advocate) that will be responding to the scenes, and you will work together to provide services to the victim(s) and their families.