Victim Services Unit

The Lenawee County Victim Services Unit is a trained volunteer group under the direction of the Michigan Sheriff's Association, the Lenawee County Sheriff's Office and under the supervision of Sergeant Carl Polan, dedicated to helping victims, survivors, and their loved ones work through a crisis or crime.

They are the helping hands of police, fire and medical personnel.  Their presence frees authorities to do their job without leaving victims alone or feeling ignored. The VSU's objective is to assist and efforts are focused on avoiding further victimization.

The unit is designed to comfort and help victims immediately after an incident by providing short-term crisis intervention.  Having no personal reference for traumatic events, most victims feel lost and in need of guidance.

They offer answers to such common questions as what happens next, funeral preparations, why an autopsy is needed, why a crime scene takes so long to process, and who will guide them through the court system.  Referrals can also be made to appropriate agencies and services within the community.

On scene, VSU plays a vital role by lending support and assisting victims and witnesses through the initial shock of trauma.  We can separate victims from the scene of an investigation while maintaining a link to officers for victim's questions and concerns.

At a secondary site, they can stay after the officers leave, working to pull a support system of close friends, family or church personnel into place.

WHEN TO REQUEST VSU SERVICES

  • Homicide, suicide, or any death or serious injury
  • Traffic accidents or other traumatic events
  • Criminal sexual conduct
  • Breaking and entering (especially involving senior citizens)
  • Death notifications
  • House fires
  • Natural disasters
  • Lost children
  • SIDS deaths
  • Natural deaths
  • Whenever requested

HOW TO REQUEST VSU

Victim Services Unit volunteers can be requested by any police department, fire department, or hospital within the County or by victims themselves.  They will respond 24 hours, 7 days a week, to the scene, police agency or at other locations.

To request VSU, contact the Lenawee County Central Dispatch Center.

To get more information about the Victim Services Unit or if interested on becoming a volunteer, contact Sergeant Polan and 517-263-0524 x2183.