The Wilmington City Council adopted a resolution Thursday that allows the Police Department to accept a grant from the Delaware Criminal Justice Council to expand the city’s Victims’ Services Unit.
The three year grant of nearly $178,000 allows for the hiring of another Victim Services Specialist who will work directly will all victims of violent crimes and provide services to families who have lost loved ones to homicide.
The funding also provides a small emergency fund for the unit. The grant requires an in-kind match of just over $44,000.
Captain James Gestwicki from the Wilmington Police Department said he doesn’t know the ins and outs of what the position just yet, but, "One thing I can tell you is that it’s a very important position. Very important," he said. "Not only to the department, but again to the citizens. Offering referral services to the victims, offering direction."
There have been 91 violent crimes and 20 homicides in Wilmington this year.
