CONWAY, Ark. — The Conway Police Department is expanding its community outreach to victims of crimes.
As the team of victim advocates at the department has grown, so has the need for their help and they've already been seeing positive results.
"It's really eye-opening in how big of an impact it's made already," Sgt. Brittani Little said.
Whether you're the victim of a scam or a more violent crime, Conway Police Department's Victim Services Program is there to help.
"I saw a need for the victims to have more contact, more understanding of our investigation process. As well as the court process going forward," Sgt. Little described.
The program, made up of three women, has been in the works for a few years and really took off in August.
Sergeant Brittani Little oversees it and works alongside Lisa Oedewaldt and Heather Buckman to not only keep victims updated on the investigation process, but to also offer support and resources.
"Maybe, you know that has taken away their ability to go to the grocery store, or, you know, something that seems so minor that the police typically wouldn't be able to help with. There are food pantries, but we can help you know, get them the access to the food," she explained.
Little said it's been really rewarding so far as they've made contact with hundreds of people who have been impacted by crime in some way.
"While we're in there trying to help them through what's going on actively with them, they want to volunteer, because they are so happy with what this has done for them," she said.
Buckman said her goal is to break down any walls people may have and to gain people's trust so she can more effectively help them.
"I think a lot of times, people are scared or nervous to come to the department because they feel like they have to do something. We're just here to support them, to provide those resources, and to encourage them. Really just kind of establish connections with them," Buckman explained.
They said they're not just there temporarily, and that they'll continue to follow up throughout each case.
"We want them to know that they have support here from us, and it doesn't matter if it's a week after their crime [or] if it's a year, and if they need to contact us, they can do that," Buckman added.
If you are looking for a way to help them help others, they are accepting donations. We have a wish list linked here with items they will give out to people and children in need.