HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 08 Approval of Victims of Crimes Act Agreement for FY25-26
City of Ocoee ▪ 1 N. Bluford Avenue ▪ Ocoee, Florida 34761
Phone: (407) 905-3100 ▪ www.ocoee.org
STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date: October 21, 2025
Item #: 8
Contact Name: Vincent Ogburn Department Director: Vincent Ogburn
Contact Number: Ext. 3038 City Manager: Craig Shadrix
Subject: Approval of Victims of Crimes Act Agreement for FY 2025–2026. (Police Chief
Ogburn)
Background Summary:
The Florida Attorney General's Office, Bureau of Advocacy and Grants Management, has awarded the Ocoee
Police Department a Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) grant for $23,672.00 to enhance crime victim services in the
City of Ocoee and throughout the State of Florida. The grant funds 75 percent of the salary for a Victim
Witness Advocate assisting the Ocoee Police Department. The Victim Witness Advocate provides emotional
support and guidance to victims and witnesses throughout the legal process, helping them understand their
rights and opinions. It also offers information about the criminal justice system, court procedures, and available
resources. The victim advocate is a liaison between victims and law enforcement, ensuring their voices are
heard and their needs are addressed during the investigations and legal proceedings. This grant is not for a
new position; it will be used to fund our current position. This is a one-year agreement and ends September
30, 2026.
Issue:
Should the Honorable Mayor and City Commissioners authorize the acceptance and execution of the VOCA
Agreement for Fiscal Year 2025/2026 in the amount $23,672.00 to partially fund the position of the Victim
Witness Advocate for the Ocoee Police Department?
Recommendations:
Staff recommends that the Honorable Mayor and City Commissioners authorize the acceptance and execution
of the VOCA Agreement for FY 2025/2026 in the amount of $23,672.00, which partially funds the position of
the Victim Witness Advocate for the Ocoee Police Department.
Attachments:
1. VOCA Agreement
Financial Impacts:
The VOCA Grant partially funds the Victim Witness Advocate position, up to $23,672.00 for the Fiscal Year
2025/2026. This grant can be renewed annually, depending on the provision of the required victim-witness
services. This grant is not for a new position; it will be used to fund our current position.
City of Ocoee ▪ 1 N. Bluford Avenue ▪ Ocoee, Florida 34761
Phone: (407) 905-3100 ▪ www.ocoee.org
Type of Item: Consent