A Message from the Sheriff
about our Victim/Witness Program.

Victims and witnesses are a crucial part of the criminal justice system, and I am aware of the problems they encounter. The Victim Witness Assistance Program was created to be more responsive to your needs and to enforce your rights. The program will ensure sensitive crisis assistance, speedy recovery in cases of compensable financial losses, and a reduction of physical and emotional suffering of innocent crime victims. I will promote understanding of the criminal justice system by all parties - victims and witnesses - while improving the efficiency of the criminal justice process.

We are aware that victims and witnesses have special needs, and our program is available to assist with information and referrals for services.

It is my commitment that the Victim Witness Program will do all that is possible to assist victims of criime. If you have any questions, or if we can do anything to help you, please let us know. By working together, we can certainly make Chesapeake a safer community.

Sheriff John R. Newhart