Crime can have a lasting impact on victims, their families, and our entire community. Victims and survivors of crime have the right to feel heard and supported. They need to have access to support services that address their psychological and emotional needs, as well as have their safety concerns addressed.

The overall goal of the Victim Services Unit for the Chattanooga Police Department is to partner with officers, investigators, and community stakeholders to create a network of care and support for victims of crime in our City. This will be achieved through direct service provision, continued follow-up care and advocacy, criminal justice support, and community agency referrals.

The following are the objectives of the Victim Services Unit:

· To create a cohesive and streamlined response to the victims of crime who are being served by the Chattanooga Police Department.

· Increase awareness of victims' rights and responsibilities in the criminal justice and judicial processes.

· Provide victim-centered and trauma-informed advocacy services to victims and survivors of crime.

· Increase awareness of local and community resources and social services for victims of crime.

· Provide comprehensive and ongoing training for Chattanooga Police Department, other local law enforcement agencies, and the public safety community at large.

Services Provided by the VSU:

· Follow-up Support & Advocacy

· Safety Planning

· Social Service Assessment & Planning

· Criminal Justice Support and Advocacy

· Court Accompaniment

· Crisis Counseling & Intervention

· Information & Referral

· Filing Assistance for TN Criminal Injuries Compensation Program

· Community Outreach

· First Responder Training

· On-Scene Response

 Tennessee Crime Victims’ Bill of Rights

Crime victims in the State of Tennessee have the following rights:

· The RIGHT to confer with the prosecutor about their case.

· The RIGHT to be free from harassment, intimidation, and abuse throughout the criminal justice system.

· The RIGHT to be at all proceedings where the defendant has the right to be present.

· The RIGHT to be heard, when relevant, at all critical stages of the criminal justice process as defined by the General Assembly.

· The RIGHT to be informed of all proceedings, and of the release, transfer or escape of the accused or convicted person.

· The RIGHT to a speedy trial or disposition and a prompt and final conclusion of the case after the conviction or sentence.

· The RIGHT to restitution from the offender.

· The RIGHT to know about each of these rights established for victims.

To learn more about your rights as a victim of crime, please click here.

Helpful Resources

Hamilton County District Attorney’s Office
Address: 600 Market Street, Chattanooga, TN 37402
Telephone: (423) 209-7400
Click here for additional information

Hamilton County Medical Examiner’s Office
Address: 3202 Amnicola Highway, Chattanooga, TN 37406
Telephone: (423) 493-5175

Hamilton County-Chattanooga Family Justice Center
Address: 5705 Uptain Road, Chattanooga, TN 37411
Telephone: (423) 643-7600
Click here for additional information

Criminal Injuries Compensation Fund – Division of Claims
Address: 502 Deaderick Street, Nashville, TN 37243-0202
Telephone: (615) 741-2734
Click here for additional information

Office for Victims of Crime
Address: 810 Seventh Street NW, Washington, DC 20531
Telephone: (800) 363-0441
Click here for additional information

VSU Contact Information

Main Line: (423) 643-5000

Emergency: Dial 911

Office Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30am – 5:00pm

For VSU support, please contact Hannah Hytken, Victim Services & Chaplains Director at hhytken@chattanooga.gov or 423-643-5351.