Contact

Sheriff's Department
650 E. Main St. PO Box 339
Phone: (269) 467-9045

Victim Services

Immediate Crisis Support

Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year to assist victims and their families during their time of greatest need.

Formed in 1990, the VSU is part of a prestigious statewide program trained by the Michigan Sheriff’s Association. St. Joseph County is proud to be one of 45 counties in Michigan offering this vital service to the community.

Actitve Volunteers
0
State Trained
0 %

Mission & Impact

The VSU consists of a group of state-trained volunteers who provide short-term comfort and emotional support to victims and their families. Their presence allows police, fire, and medical personnel to focus on their technical duties by relieving them of the immediate burden of crisis management.

Requesting Assistance

The unit is available to all area police and fire departments, hospitals, and ambulance personnel. To activate the VSU:

Emergency personnel place a request via 911 Central Dispatch, who then pages the on-call team to the scene.

Scenarios for Response

  • Homicide & Suicide
  • Serious/Fatal Accidents
  • Drownings & Fires
  • Farm Accidents
  • Criminal Sexual Conduct
  • SIDS Deaths
  • Death by Natural Causes
  • Elder Abuse
The Victim Services Unit remains a trusted resource for emergency responders and a source of compassion for citizens in crisis throughout St. Joseph County.