FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March
27, 2017
GO-TIME: Commission
on Crime and Delinquency Announces New Mobile App to Assist Victims of Crime
Harrisburg, PA. — Today, the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime
and Delinquency (PCCD) unveiled a new mobile application designed to assist
victims of crime in Pennsylvania.
“One of the
most important responsibilities of the Commission on Crime and Delinquency is
to assist victims of crime by ensuring they get the services they need and the
compensation they deserve,” said PCCD Chairman Charles Ramsey. “To meet our
obligation, it is necessary that we utilize technology to reach as many victims
as we can. This new app will not only allow PCCD to reach more victims but also
ensure that applying for benefits with PCCD will be easier than ever.”
The new
mobile application will allow victims of crime to more easily find the services
available to them. Victims of crime will be able to access local advocates who
can assist them with services such as legal and medical services, compensation
assistance and to access information regarding their rights and protections as
a victim of crime. Victims will be able to choose from a list of services
within the distance they set.
Victims
will also be able to check the status of their claim with the Victims
Compensation Assistance Program via the application. The Victims Compensation
Assistance Program helps victims and their families through the emotional and
physical aftermath of a crime by easing the financial impact placed upon them.
Victims of crime may be eligible to receive financial help for a variety of
expenses related to their victimization such as medical and counseling
expenses, loss of earnings, funeral expenses, crime scene cleanup, and other
crime related expenses.
PCCD
expects to be able to add an additional feature that allows for victims to file
claims for compensation via the mobile application within the next few weeks.
The app was
created, in part, through a collaborative effort by the Governor’s Office of
Transformation, Innovation, Management and Efficiency (GO-TIME). Students from
Harrisburg were involved in the initial design and build of the app, which was
then further enhanced and deployed by PCCD.
“In
many cases, it may difficult for a crime victim to know what to do or where to
go for assistance,” said Sharon Ward, Director of GO-TIME. “The mobile app
places these resources at their fingertips and increase the reach of PCCD’s
programs.”
PCCD’s efforts to update and streamline
access to victims services supports the Governor’s Office of Transformation,
Innovation, Management and Efficiency (GO-TIME), which works with state
agencies to modernize government operations in order to reduce costs and
improve services. State agencies already saved over $156 million and Governor Wolf challenged GO-TIME to build upon
this success by achieving $500 million in savings by 2020. To learn more about GO-TIME, visit https://www.governor.pa.gov/go-time/.
The mobile
application is available for both iPhone and Android users starting today
through the App Store and Google Play Store under the name “PA Crime Victims.”
Our Mission is to enhance the quality, coordination and planning
within the criminal and juvenile justice systems, to facilitate the delivery of
services to victims of crime, and to increase the safety of our communities.
MEDIA CONTACT: Matthew Leonard, 717.265.8539
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