Specialized Units
Crime Victim Assistance Program
The goal of the Crime Victim Assistance Program is to reduce the trauma and secondary victimization that frequently occurs to victims of violent crimes. A second goal is to improve prosecutions by increasing victims/witness participation in the criminal justice system by giving full recognition and protection to the rights of these individuals.
SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE CRIME VICTIM ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
On-scene crisis intervention – 24 hours a day
Accompaniment to hospital or other service agencies
Referrals to support agencies
Notification and assistance in filing Crime Victim Compensation Claims
Assistance in obtaining Emergency and Permanent Protective Orders
Serve as a liaison between victims and law enforcement
Special assistance for children involved as primary or secondary victims to crimes
Assistance for victims and investigating officers at on-scene at a death or suicide
Intensive family violence and sexual assault victim assistance
Assist victims requiring assistance following the crime, such as:
Liaison with detectives
Information concerning status of their case
Accompaniment through the Criminal Justice System
Criminal vs. Civil remedies
It is the department’s desire that the utilization of this program will help to break the cycle of violence in domestic situations that often leads to severe personal injuries or death, thereby helping to reduce the crime rate in Waxahachie and enhance the quality of life for its residents.
S.W.A.T.
The Special Weapons and Tactics Team (S.W.A.T.) is a highly organized and specially trained team that may augment all divisions within the Waxahachie Police Department. The S.W.A.T. Team provides the department with 24 hour coverage necessary for immediate response to barricaded suspects, snipers, hostage takers, active shooters and other high risk incidents that require specially trained and equipped personnel to respond to a special threat situation.
