Council OKs routine interagency agreement for justice response team to support victims and prosecutions

Council reviewed a standing interagency collaboration that formalizes participation in the Le Paz County Justice Response Team (JRT). The chief read an email from staff summarizing the agreement and said it is a housekeeping item that helps agencies collaborate on pending cases, training and victim services.

"It just puts in formalities that our agency, the sheriff's office, the county attorney's office and [other partners] all work with the crisis shelter," the chief said, adding that the JRT helps with prosecution of domestic violence suspects and ensures victims receive services. Staff noted the item is used to strengthen grant applications, including past efforts to secure funding for a SANE (sexual assault nurse examiner) nurse at the local hospital.

Council moved to approve the agreement as presented; the item requires no new town expenditure and is intended to facilitate coordination among law enforcement, prosecutors, health providers and crisis services.