The Crisis Response Team is an innovative addition to the Victims' Assistance Program in Plano because it provides on-scene crisis intervention services to victims of violent crimes and follow-up contact by the Crime Victim Liaison for victims who need assistance beyond the initial on-scene response.

The victim's first contact with a helper is generally with a police officer. The patrol officer's primary responsibility is investigation and enforcement; not to provide emotional support and resources. These and other constraints may hinder victims in assessing the criminal justice system and exercising their rights under the law. The CRT can help alleviate some of these burdens by acting as an overall advocate for the victim.

The CRT works with the victim and other agencies by providing a comprehensive chain of services to the victim. Staff and volunteers work closely with a number of different types of service providers including the police department, the justice system, counselors, shelter programs, programs for at-risk youth, local charities, attorneys and other services/programs/agencies.

Volunteer Availability Form