Victim-Witness Coordinator Liz Godina

At any given time, a person can become a victim of a crime at no fault of his/her own. One of my goals as a law enforcement Victim Witness Coordinator is to treat victims with respect and dignity as they take that step to seek help.  Letting the victims know they are being heard and valued is vital when they disclose what may be the most traumatic event in their lives.  Having a connection with local resources is especially important while seeking justice or protection for themselves or a family member.  Providing information and resources while a case is under investigation may help a victim feel validated and may inspire hope for them.  Local resources including emergency shelter, safety planning, mental health counseling, and forensic medical exams are just a few of the resources available to victims of crime.  I am confident when telling victims they are in great hands as they move forward with making these connections.

Having a Victim Witness Coordinator assigned to you can make the criminal justice process easier for you in many ways by providing the following services:

• Ensure victims are being informed of their rights and developments in their case.

• Respond to the hospital, crime scenes or other sites to assist law enforcement 24/7 in providing immediate crisis intervention. 

• Referrals to services in the community that provide emergency care, medical care, food, shelter, and counseling.

• Assistance in applying for crime victims' compensation which assists victims of violent crimes with expenses such as medical, counseling, funeral costs, or lost wages not covered by other means.

• Assistance in applying for a civil protection order, a document issued by a civil court that orders the person who is abusing, harassing or stalking you to stop doing so or be punished by the court.

• Educate victims on criminal justice process and terminology.

• Accompaniment and moral support in the courtroom, when needed.

• Assists victims in establishing safety and security measures such as jail release notifications, emergency telephones, safety alarms, translation, and other measures.

• Assists with Department of Homeland Security U-Visa Nonimmigrant Status Certification process.

• Safe, comfortable, private room for interviewing

• Request extra patrol for victims’ home when needed

• Suspect jail release notification; VINE information

Contact:

Liz Godina

Victim Witness Coordinator

Caldwell Police Department

110 South 5th Avenue, Caldwell, Idaho 83605

Office: 208-455-3112

Fax: 208-455-3123