Caption: Florence McCrary (left) and Annette Miller, members of the Violence Prevention Coalition and mothers who have lost sons to gun violence in Oakland, advocated for the creation of a Victim Service Liaison within OPD. Photo by Brigitte Cook.

By Post Staff

As Oakland has seen an increase in the levels of violent crime, there have been greater numbers of traumatized victims and survivors.

To meet the needs of residents affected by violent crime, the Oakland Police Department has created a position to serve as a liaison between the department and the community to help them navigate an array of services.

This furthers OPD’s plan to have victim-centered and trauma-informed responses to crime incidents. “For years, many in our community didn’t know where to turn or who to ask for help,” said Oakland Police Chief LeRonne L. Armstrong. “I felt it important to create the position of a victim specialist to give those most vulnerable the care and compassion they need at a very traumatic time.”

The Victim Specialist position is funded through a three-year Department of Justice grant. Victim Specialist Brigitte Cook, said “As survivors or family members face some of the worst days of their lives, it is vital to have a compassionate bridge between them and the department to connect them to the resources that they are eligible for.” Cook also meets with local organizations to share information about services and create opportunities for problem-solving.

Florence McCrary, a member of the Violence Prevention Coalition Family Support Advocates, representing mothers who lost children to violence in Oakland said, “As a mother who lost their child to gun violence in the city of Oakland, I have to say that working with Brigitte Cook through OPD’s victim services was so very helpful.

“She made herself available to me through some of the most difficult times, attended meetings and helped me to ask the hard but necessary questions,” McCray said. “This is a much needed service that parents who have experienced loss benefit from. It needs to be supported as it elevates the presence of OPD and shows compassion, which is so important.”

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