The Bergen County Prosecutor's Office offers a special service to residents who are involved in a criminal incident.  The Prosecutor's Victim-Witness Advocacy Office has the responsibility of outreach to those victims and witnesses who are involved in crimes anywhere within the county. 

Hillsdale residents who become involved in a criminal matter as victims or witnesses can rely on the services of the Prosecutor's Office to assist in the often complicated and intimidating criminal justice system. 

The Prosecutor's Office provides the following message to residents:

When a criminal act injures an innocent victim, the best police work relies on everyday citizens who have the courage to come forward and tell the truth.  Under the direction of the Prosecutor's Office, the Bergen County Office of Victim-Witness Advocacy supports these citizens and guides them in fulfilling the important role they serve in the criminal justice process. 

The Office of Victim-Witness Advocacy's mission is to serve the needs and ensure the legal rights of victims and witnesses.  Since 1979, the Office of Victim-Witness Advocacy had provided support services to more than 10,000 individuals, a portion of whom have suffered physical or emotional pain, or financial loss, resulting from a criminal act.  The Bergen County Prosecutor's Office requests that all members of the Bergen County Community continue to support the County Office of Victim-Witness Advocacy in serving the needs, comfort and convenience of crime victims and witnesses throughout our county.

The Victim-Witness Office offers the following services:

• crisis intervention & short term counseling
• referrals to social service agencies
• orientation to the criminal justice system
• notification on the status and disposition of cases
• assistance with transportation
• child care
• information about the Victims of Crimes Compensation Board
• assisting in obtaining restitution/compensation, if applicable
• assistance with property return
• court accompaniment
• employer, school, landlord, creditor intercession services
• sequestered reception and waiting areas, seperate from defendant
• victim impact and parole input statements
• referral information on available medical testing for victims at-risk due to a crime
• community education
• general advocacy/support with problems resulting from the crime or court appearances

For more information about the Victim-Witness Advocacy program, speak to a police officer, call (201)664-4200, or visit the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office website http://www.bcpo.net