Stand With Your Neighborhood on National Night Out

Tonight, on the 31st anniversary of National Night Out (NNO), communities and neighborhoods across the nation will stand together to promote crime prevention awareness, safety, and neighborhood unity. August 5th is “America’s Night Out Against Crime,” an annual observance highlighting the importance of police-community partnerships and citizen involvement in our fight for a safer nation.

The National Night Out campaign is designed to:

• Heighten crime and drug prevention awareness;
• Generate support for, and participation in, local anti-crime programs;
• Strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships; and
• Send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.

National Night Out 2013 brought together over 37.8 million people in 16,242 communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities, and military bases worldwide. NNO activities include front porch vigils, block parties, cookouts, parades, festivals, visits from local officials and law enforcement, safety fairs, and youth events. National Night Out 2014 is expected to be the largest yet.

Officers Remembered

By Julie Nauman, VCGCB Executive Officer

Before becoming peace officers, men and women go through an extensive application, testing and training process. Only those most committed and dedicated to the pursuit of a safer, more just society are chosen to serve and protect. Each day, officers put on their uniforms, all while understanding the dangers they face and the sacrifices they may be faced with.

Today we commemorate Peace Officers
Memorial Day. We honor and remember
those law enforcement officers who made
the ultimate sacrifice, we do not take for
granted their bravery and sacrifice.

Today our flag at headquarters flies at half staff as we commemorate Peace Officers Memorial Day. We remember those law enforcement officers who made the ultimate sacrifice, as well as the family members, friends, and fellow officers they left behind. We do not take for granted the bravery and sacrifice of these officers and the work they do to make our communities safer each day.

During Police Week, we are faced with the solemn reminder that our law enforcement officers are not immune to deadly violence. Last Sunday, the names of 362 fallen officers nationwide were formally dedicated on the National Law Enforcement Officers’ Memorial in Washington, D.C. during the 24th Annual Candlelight Vigil. These include 163 officers who were killed last year, plus 199 officers who died in previous years, but whose stories of sacrifice had been lost to history until now. The national monument now contains the names of 1,522 fallen California law enforcement officers, who have died on duty throughout U.S. history, dating back to the first known officer death in 1791.

This week, I ask that you join me and the nation in paying tribute to the thousands of men and women who serve us with extraordinary bravery and remember the heroes who have laid down their lives.

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Julie Nauman is the Executive Officer for the Victim Compensation and Government Claims Board (VCGCB), appointed in 2008. VCGCB provides compensation for victims of violent crime and helps to resolve claims against the State.

Parents of Murdered Children — National Day of Remembrance

By Julie Nauman, VCGCB Executive Officer

September 25th marked the National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims, a day set aside each year to honor the lives of loved ones taken by violence. Once again, the local Sacramento Chapter of “Parents of Murdered Children” (POMC), in coordination with chapters around the nation, held a special ceremony to remember and pay honor to the sons, daughters and other family members that have been taken away all too soon.

I was privileged to be one of the selected speakers at this year’s POMC event on the north steps of the State Capitol. When I addressed the supporters and families, I conveyed that CalVCP is committed more than ever to helping parents recover from such tragedy. For many, the road to healing is long and arduous and now is a time when victims need our help the most, as well as our support. We understand that and provide mental health treatment, funeral and burial expenses, lost wages and much more for those who have no other means.

There were several other speakers on this day, including: Sean Laird, Sacramento Deputy District Attorney; Ahmale Dorsey, Victim Advocate; and Mindi Russell, Senior Chaplain, Sacramento Law Enforcement. All were on hand to share their thoughts and provide support to grieving parents and family members and be part of this community of victims and survivors.

Sadly, 38 percent of the victims that we help are under 18 years of age. And last year, 31 applications for assistance came to us from a parent or guardian who lost a child to violence. Every day, I see how important it is that we have this service for the thousands of families who have nowhere else to turn. We are continuing to work with our sister agencies to provide the necessary resources and care for these victims and their families. By doing this, we can ensure that Californians have somewhere to turn when the inconceivable happens.

As a united front, we shall always remember and honor all those who have become victims of murder and all those families who lost so much.

First Responders: Lives Depend on Them

By Julie Nauman, VCGCB Executive Officer

Being the first line of defense to save lives and protect the public is no small task. Without first responders such as EMTs, firefighters, and law enforcement, lives would be lost. It’s that simple.

I am proud to recognize these heroic officers during National Police Week (observed May 15-21) which honors those first responders who protect the public while risking their own lives on a daily basis.

California’s law enforcement know all too well what it means to be first on the scene of a DUI crash, murder, rape or even a child abuse case. Time is critical and lives are at stake, and emotions are high.

Despite the chaos and the panic, many first responders are able to calm a desperate situation and get the victim the help they need at that moment and beyond. First responders help to inform victims and their families of CalVCP’s services by providing them with a first responder card at the crime scene.

These cards give victims and their families a number to call for help with funeral expenses, counseling, medical treatment and even crime scene clean up. Being able to provide victims with resources upfront is an important step toward recovery.

Assisting and treating victims is a group effort. From the first responders, to the County victim assistance centers, to the District Attorneys and the medical professionals, victims are treated with dedication, professionalism and the utmost respect.

As we observe National Police Week, I would like to take a moment to publicly thank our dedicated officers for the great work they do. Without them, we would not be able to reach the many victims that need CalVCP’s services.