Police program keeps a friend in every victim's corner
By Angela Randazzo Special to the Acorn

IRIS SMOOT/Acorn Newspapers THERE WHEN YOU NEED THEM- Victim's advocate Renee Johnson and her supervisor, Simi Valley police Lt. Michael King, consult one another on a case file in Johnson's office. Together, the duo run the department's victim advocacy program, which provides services to the victims of criminal activity.

Victims of crimes know they can turn to the police department for immediate assistance and to the courts for eventual justice.

But where do they go to find help in dealing with the significant emotional effects they may suffer from their ordeal?

In Simi, the answer is Renee Johnson, the Simi Valley Police Department's on-site victims' advocate since 2005. During that time, Johnson- who is not a police officer herself- has assisted victims of crimes ranging from robbery and assault to child and elder abuse.

When an incident such as a domestic violence occurs, the police respond, taking the action needed to secure the scene. After collecting all of the necessary evidence, the police pass along the victim's information to Johnson.

"The police encourage the victim to contact me. If they don't, I contact them," Johnson said.

Johnson can help victims in several different ways according to their needs, she said.

For instance, in a domestic violence case, Johnson helps a battered spouse find a shelter, arranges consulting for them and apprises the victim on the status of his or her case. She also helps with restraining orders, custody and support issues and sometimes even accompanies the victim to court.

"I can tell the person if the assailant is arrested, in jail or notify them when the assailant is going to be released," Johnson said.

She also helps victims navigate the often confusing criminal justice system, making them aware of the process and each step that must occur along the way. Last year alone, Johnson helped people in more than 900 cases. So far this year, she said, she's been involved in 65 cases.

In the past, a victims' advocacy program was available in Ventura County through the district attorney's office. However, funding was cut for that program at local police sites two years ago.

When this happened, the Simi Valley Police Department worked hard to keep an advocate on site, according to Lt. Mike King, who oversees the department's advocacy program.

"When the county cut back on funding, the advocate program was in jeopardy," said King, a 25-year veteran of the Simi PD. "Our people decided it was a valuable tool for helping victims of crime. We put in for funding so we could continue the program."

It was then that the Simi Valley Police Foundation and its fundraising capabilities stepped in, agreeing to add the advocacy program to the several others it was already helping to fund at the police department.

In addition to the advocacy program, the foundation helps fund the K9 unit, Drug Abuse and Resistance Education (DARE), Crimestoppers and Citizens' Patrol.

"The board felt the advocate program was important to continue on a local level," said Dave McCormick, police foundation president. "A person in a crime situation needs help, and they need to know where to get it."

In California, an advocate must go through a 40hour training program and must receive certification by the state. Johnson has also earned a degree in criminal justice from the University of Colorado.

Johnson said the human element of crime doesn't get lost in the legal jungle or in the case reports. The officers and detectives investigating a case want Johnson to know if a victim's in trouble, she said.

"Police officers are very compassionate," Johnson said. "An officer will tell me about a case and say, 'Please give this person a call. She's really afraid. She needs your help.'"

While Johnson maintains a professional detachment as she helps the victims of all types of crimes, sometimes their emotional turmoil tears at her heart, she said. The hardest cases are those that involve crimes against children and the families of homicide victims.

"There's a lot of emotion going on, and the family members are sobbing," Johnson said. "It's hard to get into work mode and tell them what they need to know."

On the upside, Johnson takes pride in empowering victims of crime and getting them the help they need.

"I tell them you don't have to be treated this way, emotionally or physically assaulted," Johnson said. "You have a choice on how you want to live your life. Our police officers will assist you. I'll assist you. We're here to help."

Johnson can be reached through the police department's main phone line at (805) 5836950.