Norman Police Department, OU School of Social Work Launch Victim Support Program

A new partnership is helping a metro police department support victims of crime. Major Jamie Shattuck with the Norman Police Department told News 9 they saw a gap in their service when it comes to supporting victims of domestic violence or sexual assault. 

Brainstorming ideas, they decided to talk with OU and build the program from the ground up. 

“We are going to continue to improve in the area of helping our victims and being victim centered in how we do our work here,” said Shattuck. 

The shift came after they realized victims are getting left behind. 

“We are really good at investigating crime…but we were not as good at helping victims of crime. So, we wanted to find someone who was good in that area who could help us better reach victims of crime,” he said. 

Their new Victim Advocate studying social work at OU is filling in the gap. 

“We met with the University, they liked the idea and that is when we started the partnership,” said Shattuck. 

“I come to weekly briefings with the detectives here, I work with victims in person, over the phone, over email. I attend court cases, like VPO hearings as a type of emotional support,” said Morgan Albright, the Norman Police Department Crime Victim Advocate Intern. 

Albright is getting her Master’s at OU and is responsible for following up with victims of domestic violence or sexual assault. 

“Counseling, food pantries, anything that they are coming across or needs that they identify. I get the chance to work with that victim and help them get connected to these resources,” she said. 

“We have someone who can follow up with victims of crime and help them regardless of if we have made an arrest,” said Shattuck. 

“I get to be there for people during some of the darkest times and some of the most traumatic times of their life and being that light there that can get them to a spot that is a little bit better. That is what social work is about,” she said. 

Although the partnership is in its early stages both are already seeing the benefits. 

“I can focus on the victim while the officers can work on a different side of it. Working on the things that are needed for the investigation,” said Albright. 

“We are going to take baby steps and grow the program but eventually I would like to have full time advocates here,” said Shattuck. 

Eventually the department wants to hire three full-time advocates.