Police: Council on Crime and Justice a Resource for Minneapolis

In honor of next week's National Crime Victims' Week, the Minneapolis Police Department is calling attention to Minnesota's Council on Crime and Justice.

Since 1977, the organization has been providing free and confidential services to general crime victims.

"Being a victim of crime can be difficult and confusing. You may have many questions, concerns, or moments of anxiety," Luther Krueger, Minneapolis crime prevention analyst, sent out in an e-newsletter this week. "If you or someone you know is a victim of crime, advocates are available [through the council's hotline] 24 hours a day to provide guidance, advocacy, information & emotional support."

While Minneapolis police urge citizens to report all crimes, the council's services are available for all victims, regardless if the crime has been reported.

According to the e-newsletter, many of the services include:

• Information about services available to you in the community and criminal justice and social service systems;
• Referrals to counseling, safe housing, low-cost legal assistance and other resources;
• Information on the criminal justice process and victims’ rights;
• Information and assistance with Orders for Protection and Harassment Restraining Orders;
• Assistance with victim impact statements and community impact statements;
• Facilitate contact with law enforcement, prosecutors/court and probation on victim’s behalf;
• Support to help you cope with the impact of crime

Over the phone interpretation services will be provided for non-English speaking victims through the Minnesota relay system.

The Council on Crime and Justice has a 24-hour victim hotline number that can be reached at 612-340-5400. During regular business hours, 612-206-3340 can also be used.

For more information on the council, go to crimeandjustice.org/. For more information on National Crime Victims' Rights week, go to ovc.ncjrs.gov/ncvrw/.

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