Victim Liaison


BIRMINGHAM POLICE DEPARTMENT VICTIM LIAISON COORDINATOR

Robbie J. Priest
205-785-4121

Providing compassionate and caring assistance to victims of violent crimes

The Victim Liaison for the Birmingham Police Department is dedicated to improving the treatment of crime victims and survivors of victims of homicide by providing meaningful assistance and compassionate treatment and improving the quality of life for the citizens of Birmingham by assisting victims, survivors, family members, and businesses experiencing violent crime or trauma.

Being a victim of crime is frightening and unsettling. It is our mission to provide all victims of violent crime with the information, resources and emotional support to combat the trauma and devastation of loss and victimization. Our goal is to help victims obtain justice and to begin the process of healing.

The Victim Liaison can assist victims and/or their families and will provide referrals based on the specific needs of each situation. The Victim Liaison works closely with the detectives and various legal and social service agencies within the city of Birmingham, Jefferson County, and the State of Alabama, and is familiar with a variety of available resources.

Services Provided by the Victim Liaison Coordinator:

  • Inform victims of their rights
  • Notify and assist in filing for Alabama Crime Victims’ Compensation.
  • Provide information and referrals to local, state, and federal crime victim service providers
  • Provide information about criminal justice process
  • Assist with property return
  • Make follow-up contact with victims of crime who file a report with the Birmingham Police Department
  • Provide victim advocacy and liaison with the detectives assigned to the case.
  • Conduct community awareness and presentations.

 

Contact Information:
Robbie J. Priest
Victim Liaison Coordinator
Birmingham Police Department
409 – 19th Street Ensley
Birmingham, Alabama 35218
Phone: 205-785-4121
Fax: 205-785-4123
E-mail: Robbie.Priest@birminghamal.gov


NOTE: Any e-mails sent to Victim Liaison Coordinator are considered confidential.

Text Box: KNOW YOUR RIGHTS AS A VICTIM

 

If you are a victim of crime in the State of Alabama, you are granted certain rights by law. After filing a police report, you should be provided with the following by the agency that took the report:

A list of local emergency and crisis services available;

The name and phone number of the agency and officer handling your report;

  • The name and phone number of the prosecuting attorney;
  • A listing of your rights as a victim, including a form to invoke your rights;
  • The availability of victims' compensation benefits;
  • The existence and eligibility requirements of restitution and compensation;
  • The procedural steps in a criminal prosecution; and
  • A recommended procedure if you are subject to threats or intimidation as a victim.

If you are not notified of an arrest in your case within 60 days, you may call the telephone number of the law enforcement agency handling your case for the status of the case.

Text Box: YOU HAVE THE RIGHT OR MAY REQUEST THE RIGHT TO:

  • Be notified of all criminal proceedings and charges filed against the defendant, with the exception of initial appearance, and the right to be present at all proceedings
  • Designate a representative if you are physically or emotionally unable to assert your rights;
  • Confer with the prosecuting attorney before final disposition of the case, and before commencement of a trial, but not to direct the prosecution;
  • Be provided a waiting area separate from the defendant, his or her relatives, and defense witnesses if available; and be aware that information about the victim shall not be public record;
  • Refuse an interview or other communication by the defendant, his/her attorney, or anyone acting on his/her behalf;
  • Be notified of, or have reasonable attempts made to notify you, of a plea agreement and to be present at plea proceeding;
  • Be allowed to present evidence, impact statement, or information concerning the criminal offense or sentencing at pre-sentencing, sentencing, or restitution proceeding;
  • Be notified about sentencing, post-conviction, appellate proceedings, post conviction release information;
  • Be notified of the defendant’s end of sentence release date, release on bond, prison escape, re-arrest, or death;
  • Be told about how to have any property taken from you returned to you;
  • Be notified of an end of sentence release date or notice of death of the defendant;
  • Be allowed to submit a statement to be entered into prisoner’s Dept. of Corrections record and to be notified by the Board of Pardons and Paroles when parole or pardon is to be considered;
  • The right to access any opinion by the Alabama Dept. of Mental Health and Mental
  • Retardation or other facility with custody of the defendant;
  • Respond to a subpoena to testify in criminal proceedings against the defendant in your case without loss of employment or threatened loss of employment;
  • Receive restitution as ordered under any judgment, decree, or order of the court; and
  • Have the Attorney General or District Attorney assert any right to which you are entitled

Note: Failure to provide a right, privilege, or notice to a victim shall not be grounds for the defendant to have the conviction or sentence set aside.

VICTIM RESOURCES AND SERVICE PROVIDERS

Alabama Attorney General's Victim Assistance Unit - State level victim services unit. 1-800-626-7676.
www.ago.state.al.us.

Alabama Crime Victims Compensation Commission - Alabama's compensation law covers a variety of expenses for which compensation is paid. The ACVCC provides the only substantial financial compensation to victims for expenses for personal injuries including medical, funeral, and counseling bills. 1-800-541-9388 (for victims only); 1-334-290-4420. www.acvcc.alabama.gov

Alabama Coalition Against Domestic Violence - The ACADV serves domestic violence victims throughout the state through its shelter programs and 24-hour crisis line for domestic violence. 1-800-650-6522.

Alabama Coalition Against Rape - ACAR is a statewide non-profit organization working to prevent sexual violence in the State of Alabama and is comprised of 15 member rape crisis centers. 1-334-264-0123.

Compassionate Friends (708) 990-0010

Crisis Center of Birmingham - The Crisis Center provides a 24-hour hotline for those in emotional crisis. Other services include confidential counseling for teens, kids, victims of rape, and the elderly; suicide intervention and bereavement counseling for suicide survivors; and community education and training. Crisis Hotline 205-323-7777; Rape Crisis Line 205-323-7273.

Hispanic Interest Coalition of Alabama - HICA is a social service organization that seeks to improve the quality of life for Latinos in Alabama. Services include coordination of community resources, provision of translational services, and advocacy. Phone 205-942-5505 or 1-866-265-HICA (4422).

Mothers Against Drunk Driving - MADD offers direct victim services to victims/survivors of impaired driving crashes, emotional support, guidance through the justice systems, and information and referrals. 1-800-635-0722, or (334) 277-8080.

National Center for Missing & Exploited Children - Provides nationwide support services for families and professionals in the prevention, investigation, and prosecution of abducted, endangered, and sexually exploited children. 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678). To report sexually exploited children on the CyberTipline. www.cybertipline.com/.

National Center for Victims of Crime - Provides information on local and national victim rights issues. Website has supportive information for victims and victim advocates on a wide variety of topics and crime victim issues. 1-800-FYI-CALL (394-2255). www.ncvc.org

National Coalition of Homicide Survivors, Inc. - 1-520-740-5729. www.mivictims.org/NCHS.

National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).

National Organization for Victim Assistance - A victim's rights advocacy and emergency counseling organization which provides information on crime, safety, and psychological trauma, and links to many related pages. Information and referrals 1-800-TRY-NOVA (1-800-879-6682).

National Sexual Assault Hotline 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).

Office for Victims of Crime - The OVC was established by the 1984 Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) to oversee diverse programs that benefit victims of crime. A clearinghouse of information for crime victims and victim advocates with useful court-related topics and a directory of victim resources. 1- 202-307-5983.

Parents Against Violence (PAV) 370- 4666
www.pavfoundation.org

Parents of Murdered Children - Originally organized to support parents grieving the loss of a murdered child, the organization provides assistance to anyone grieving the loss of a loved one due to violence. 1-888-818-POMC (7662). www.pomc.com

United Way of Central Alabama – An extensive resource of service providers for Jefferson, Shelby, St. Clair, Blount and Walker counties. Information and referrals 205-323-0000.

Victims of Crime and Leniency (V.O.C.A.L.) - VOCAL provides assistance to families of homicide victims. Services include individual and group counseling, community information and referrals, criminal justice support, assistance with compensation, and training. Crisis Helpline 1-800-239-2319. www.vocalonline.org.

Frequently Asked Questions

Understanding the Criminal Justice Process

Investigation and Prosecution

Compensation and Restitution

Birmingham Regional Crime Stoppers

Victim/Witness Response Survey

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