Police foundation hopes to raise money to remodel Phoenix Victim’s Center
Aug 17, 2022, 4:35 AM
PHOENIX — The city of Phoenix and the Phoenix Police Foundation are making sexual assault and domestic abuse survivors a priority with new funding for its victim services center.
On Tuesday, the foundation announced a capital campaign to raise $550,000 to renovate the city’s victims center at the Phoenix Police Department’s Family Investigations Bureau on North Central Avenue in downtown Phoenix.
The center sees over 2,400 sexual assault and domestic violence victims every year.
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Tim Thomas, president and CEO of Phoenix Police Foundation, said the goal is to make the space feel more comfortable and safer for those reporting crimes.
“This new space will provide a more welcoming environment, with warmer interview rooms, private waiting rooms, and a pass-through entry into a forensic nurse exam room allowing victims more security and safety,” Thomas said.
Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego attended the announcement and broke down how necessary these services are for the people of Phoenix.
“One out of every 6 women will be a victim of attempted or completed rape during her lifetime. 1 out of every 71 men will be victims of sexual assault,” Gallego added.
“We are looking forward to embarking on a project that can bring even a little peace during some of the darkest moments of a person’s life.”
The project will also reconfigure the workspace for detectives to provide a more collaborative environment while investigating these crimes.
Phoenix Police Chief Jerri Williams attended the announcement and touched on how it will help her team.
“This new upgraded equipment will enhance out investigative capabilities and improve the quality of work our men and women do day in and day out,” Williams said. “The redesigned workspace will support collaboration and help us to stay laser focused on these crimes.”
The police foundation has raised nearly $200,000 and will continue to accept donations until the remodel is done.
Thomas said renovations are projected to be completed by the end of the year.
