PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — More help for victims impacted by violent crime in Philadelphia is on the way.
With full support from Mayor Cherelle Parker, Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel says they will be adding 10 victim advocate positions to the department.
Bethel says the advocates will work closely with groups, including those funded by the state and nonprofit community organizations, and advocates already in the District Attorney's office.
The goal, he says, is to support families who've lost loved ones — even far down the line when they are still struggling to understand the details of their cases. Bethel says with the caseloads homicide detectives are carrying in the city, this will take some of the pressure off of them while providing answers that families need.
“The constant complaint from the community was, ‘How do I get to the detective? I don't know what's going on,’” Bethel said. “And so for the first time, we're going to build that bridge of folks who not only are being advocates for the family, as well as to help them, support them with court and all of those activities.”
Bethel says he is thankful for City Council approving his recent budget and allowing these positions to come into the department.
More information on the positions and application process will roll out later this month.