Victim Assistance

The Las Cruces Police Department Victim Assistance Program was established in September 1993 under the Victims' of Crime Act (VOCA) Grant. It was the first police-based victim assistance program in the State of New Mexico. It was considered a pilot program until 1997 when it became a model for the state.

Victims’ Assistance Unit

In 1998 the Victims' Assistance Program was integrated with the Las Cruces Police Department and became known as the Victims’ Assistance Unit. Over the years Victims' Assistance continued to grow and, in 2005, received funding from both Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) and the City of Las Cruces to build the offices that the unit is presently housed in.

Mission

The mission of the Las Cruces Police Department Victims’ Assistance Unit is to provide the community residents with:

  • An array of comprehensive services as needed
  • Collaboration with other community agencies
  • Financial assistance through the New Mexico Crime Victim’s Reparation Commission
  • Guidance through the steps of the Criminal Justice System
  • Provide victims of crime with crisis intervention at the time the call for assistance to a police officer occurs

Victims

The Las Cruces Police Department Victim Assistance Unit will concentrate on victims of felony offenses that are non-prosecutorial and misdemeanor cases. Cases being prosecuted by the District Attorney's Office are handled by their Victim Advocates. Victims of these crimes will be provided with: 

  • Crisis intervention through the Crisis Intervention Response Team (CIRT) (PDF) at the time the call for assistance by a police officer occurs
  • Financial assistance through the New Mexico Crime Victim's Reparation Commission
  • Guidance through the steps of the Criminal Justice System
  • Services as needed through collaboration with other community agencies

Offender Status

For offender status or release information please visit Victim Information Notification Everyday. If the offender is in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody, victims will need to register separately with the Department of Homeland Security's ICE Victim Notification Program.