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Law and Justice Committee
Part 1
CHARTER
The Law and Justice Committee is responsible to investigate all branches of County government to be assured that they are being administered efficiently and honestly in the best interests of its citizens and to report on the operations, books, records, and accounts of all County offices.
Committee Members
Elisha (Lou) Morgan, Jr., Chairperson
Vincent Gattuso
Phyllis Swallow
Mike Sheldon
Jean Gillaspie
John Johnson
I. SAN BENITO COUNTY VICTIM/WITNESS PROGRAM
BACKGROUND
The Grand Jury reviewed the Victim/Witness program.
METHOD OF REVIEW
Interview of Victim/Witness program Administrator
OBSERVATIONS AND FINDINGS
The Grand Jury met with the Administrator of the Victim/Witness program and learned that this program is free to victims and/or witnesses of all types of crimes. The crime must have occurred in California or the victim must be a California resident at the time of the crime. The crime must be reported to the appropriate law enforcement agency.
The program is run on grant money not tax dollars. Victims can be reimbursed for expenses up to $70,000; battered women can receive up to $2000 for moving expenses. Other losses that can be covered include:
Medical/dental
Mental health counseling
Wage/income
Financial support
Funeral/burial
Job retraining |
After applying for assistance from this program, it takes approximately 120 days to determine if one qualifies.
CONCLUSION
The Grand Jury feels this is a worthwhile Program, and the County should continue to administer this Program as long as grant funds are available.
RECOMMENDATIONS
None
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