The Police Department either offers or connects residents to several awareness programs and services. The Department also provides a listing of local, regional, state and national resources for victims of cybercrimes and identity theft, people dealing with mental illnesses and those who need youth services.

Ride-A-Long Program

We welcome the opportunity for citizens to ride with and observe our police officers while they work. We believe programs such as these help build trust and understanding within the community.

All observers are required to fill out the Ride-A-Long Request Form, including the release and waiver. The form may be mailed to the Police Department or dropped off in-person. Once your ride-a-long is approved, you will be notified by phone. 

Observers are generally limited to three ride-a-longs per calendar year.

Victim/Witness Program

The Victim/Witness Program was instituted for the benefit of victims and witnesses of crime. The program’s objective is to reduce confusion and trauma by explaining the criminal process and providing the services you are entitled to as victims and witnesses of crimes. The program is located in the office of the Commonwealth's Attorney at 21 N. New Street in Staunton.

Additional assistance can be found in the Information Guide for Crime Victims and Witnesses. 

 New Directions Center, Inc.

New Directions Center is a non-profit organization working to reduce the impact of intimate partner violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking through survivor-centered advocacy, support services, community education, and awareness.  https://www.newdirectionscenter.org/

A non-profit organization partnering with law enforcement, Child Protective Services, the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office, Victim/Witness, and Augusta Health to provide services to victims of child sexual and physical abuse. The primary goal of the CAC is to reduce additional trauma experienced by child victims, improve prosecution outcomes, and provide efficient, compassionate, thorough, no-cost services to the child victim and non-offending family members.  For more information visit:  https://valleychildrenscenter.org/about/

Homeland Security Victim Notification Program

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) is committed to protecting the public and ensuring that the rights of victims are carefully observed.  HSI administers a Victim Notification Program which allows eligible victims and witnesses to obtain reliable and timely information regarding a criminal alien's release from custody.  To participate in this program, victims and witnesses are required to register with the agency. 

If you are interested in receiving notification of a criminal alien's release, visit www.ice.gov/victim-notification/.

VINELink

 An online notification network that allows victims of crime to access timely and reliable information about offender custody status.  For more information visit:  https://vinelink.vineapps.com/state/VA/ENGLISH

Terrorism Awareness

The Staunton Police Department promotes terrorism awareness to help residents identify potential terrorist threats and take precautions. Visit the Virginia Fusion Center for additional information.