Denver Police Department - Victim Assistance Unit
The VAU utilizes the services of up to eight, paid on-call Victim Specialists and a number of volunteers who serve on our After-Hours Team.
Please contact Frankie Rachell-Bruce, VAU Deputy Director, if you are interested in volunteering for the VAU After-Hours Team.
Frankie Rachell-Bruce
720-913-6611
The Victim Assistance Unit of the Denver Police Department provides on-scene crisis intervention and assistance to victims of crime and non-criminal stark misfortune (i.e. natural death, death & emergency notifications, and other non-criminal situations involving trauma and police response). This service is provided 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We utilize the services of a number of dedicated volunteer Victim Specialists who serve on our After-Hours Team to provide this service.
Hours of Service
After-Hours Team members cover on-call shifts during the following hours (365 days a year):
Monday – Friday: 5:00 pm – 7:30 am
Saturday – Sunday & Holidays: 3:00 pm – 7:30 am
Training & Other Requirements
All After-Hours Team members complete an intensive, 40+ hour classroom training phase prior to a multi-week on-scene training phase where trainees are shadowed, on-scene by an experienced trainer.
All After-Hours Team members are required to attend a monthly scheduling / training meeting to complete the monthly on-call schedule and to receive on-going training related to crisis intervention and victim services.
There are multiple opportunities to complete additional, dynamic trainings throughout the year for all members of the Victim Assistance Unit.
All DPD volunteers must pass an extensive background check, polygraph exam, orientation and other requirements as set forth by the Denver Police Department's Volunteers In Policing Unit. Please refer to the "VAU Volunteer Opportunities" link for additional information regarding this process.
If you are interested in volunteering for the Victim Assistance Unit, please contact Frankie Rachell-Bruce at 720-913-6611.