Have you noticed that when someone commits a crime, the criminal and the crime get an awful lot of attention? Maybe it’s because we as a society are fascinated by the science of figuring out who did it (thank you, CSI Miami) and because our collective moral code demands that the criminal pay the consequences for the deed. The victim of the crime may get some mention initially, but they tend to drop off our radar screen pretty quickly. The victim’s life is often turned upside-down in a way they never could have imagined, and they’re totally unprepared for the ensuing journey they never dreamed they would have to make.

The Boise Police Department Victim-Witness Program helps victims navigate this complicated, frustrating, and often frightening road by providing crisis counseling, support during the investigative and court processes, and general information on the criminal justice system. The program also provides resources and referrals for other services available to crime victims, follow-up counseling, transportation, and assistance with restitution if needed.

Victim-Witness coordinators are on call and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to provide crisis intervention and stabilization to people affected by crimes. They work directly with patrol officers and the detectives to assist with victims so that crimes can be more easily investigated.

Coordinators must sometimes take victims out of their present situation immediately in order to protect them, and just as often, the circumstances demand that the victim leave with nothing but the clothes on their backs. The coordinators try to provide basic necessities and items to offer a little comfort, but they can always use your help. Here’s their wishlist:

• Gift cards for grocery stores, gas stations, and other basic necessities
• New basic clothing (sweatshirts, sweatpants, socks, etc.) in all sizes for children and adults

If you’d like to donate to the Victim-Witness Program, please contact Tina Perkins at 570-6220 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . To learn more about the program, visit cityofboise.org > Departments > Police > Criminal Investigation Division > Victim-Witness Services Unit.

Donna Bankhead is a contributing writer from Boise.