LAW ENFORCEMENT BASED VICTIM SERVICES UNIT (VSU)
Funded by a grant from the Department of Justice, Office of Justice, Office for Victims of Crime Award #15POVC-25-GG-01453-NONF

Crime can have a lasting impact on victims, their families, and our entire community. Victims and survivors of crime have the right to be heard and feel supported. The Victim Services Unit partners with officers, detectives and community partners to create a network of care and support for victims of crime. This is achieved through direct service provision, continued follow-up care and advocacy, criminal justice support, and community agency referrals. CBRPD's Victim Specialist Supervisor, Karen Edwards, has worked with victims since 2020 and possesses in excess of thirty years' experience in Bucks County Court system. She holds a National Advocate Credential from the National Organization for Victim Advocacy. This credentialing program evaluates ensures the highest standards are applied in direct and indirect advocacy to victims of crime.

Objectives:

• To fill the gaps in social services where there are no current resources or advocacy being provided to victims of crime
• To create a cohesive and streamlined response to victims of crime
•  Increased awareness of local and community resources and social services for victims of crime
•  Increased awareness of Victim's Rights and Responsibilities in the criminal justice process
•  Provide comprehensive and on-going training for law enforcement personnel

The Victims Services Unit is a collaborative effort of the Central Bucks Regional Police and Buckingham Township Police Department.

COUNSELING

Dr. Peg Courts is a Medical Psychologist Consultant for the Victim Services Unit.  She is a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional with a PhD in Family Mediations from LaSalle University, Masters in Counseling Psychology from Chestnut Hill College, and BS in Nursing Education from Temple University. She possesses over 30 years’ experience conducting trauma-informed counseling sessions for adults, children and families.

Dr. Courts interacts with victims of crime who require immediate counseling and have been referred by CBRPD’s Victim Services Unit. This service is an acute intervention designed to reduce the severity and duration of trauma-related distress.