The Cochise County Attorney’s Office has received a $318,643 grant from the Arizona Department of Public Safety to continue its Victim Witness Program for three fiscal years. 

The grant was unanimously approved by the Board of Supervisors at its regular meeting on Jan. 23.

Along with state-required matching funds in the amount of $79,661, the grant will pay for two full-time victim advocates’ salaries and a part-time program manager.

These advocates will spend time in the lower courts to ensure crime victims are aware of and receive available services and in the Cochise County Superior Court to assist victims of violent felony crimes.

The Victim Witness Program began in 1987, and grant funding allows its services to be provided free of charge.

Services include helping victims navigate the criminal justice system, accompanying them to court proceedings, locating resources, guiding people through the crime victim compensation process, and sending out around 300 notifications per month regarding court hearing dates and other related information.