2001
Justice, Intra-provincial

In only seven years the Victim Liaison Officer Program Team has established an indispensable program that provides exceptional service to victims of crime. The truly outstanding feature of this program is that every member is a volunteer-in addition to the regular and assigned duties of their positions, Victim Liaison Officers provide services such as victim notification, preparation of information and agency coordination-all without financial compensation and frequently on their own time. They have consistently demonstrated, through thoughtful initiatives and rigorous attention to detail, the high value they place on their work and the people served by it.

The members of this team have also played a very active role in developing the policies and procedures that govern the Victim Liaison Officer Program. They have conducted extensive research into policy and legislation, in order to ensure development of procedures that are most beneficial to victims of crime. Taking ownership of the program and its responsibilities, they have sought training and skills development in order to serve this client group more effectively.

The Victim Liaison Officer Program Team has contributed to creating a cultural shift with the Criminal Justice System, expanding focus beyond offender management to include addressing the needs of victims. This not only provides a much needed (and thoroughly appreciated) range of services, but also assists the Corrections and Community Services Division in fulfilling its mandate. They have developed cooperative working relationships within the Corrections and Community Services Division and with outside agencies, enhancing both service to victims and the environments in which they work.

Additionally, the members of the Victim Liaison Officer Program Team are scattered throughout the province. These extraordinary people have built a new program, worked in seamless cooperation, created a true team and remained absolutely committed to their common vision and goals, despite working in geographic isolation from one another.