June 27, 2025
To those unfamiliar with the criminal justice system, the process can be overwhelming and confusing to navigate. The Michigan State Police (MSP) is committed to providing tangible support to victims through its Victim Services Program, which would be able to serve more crime victims with an investment proposed in Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s Executive Budget for Fiscal Year 2026.
“The availability of working with a victim services advocate can be a game changer for Michiganders experiencing their worst moments,” said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. “As a former prosecutor, I know how those initial interactions with police agencies can set the tone, impact cooperation and even affect the outcome of a case. Ensuring victims have the support and resources they need to recover is essential to keeping Michigan communities safe.”
The MSP first piloted its dedicated Victim Services Program in 2020. This $1.3 million investment would add eight positions, bringing the total positions to 22.
Victim services advocates assist those impacted by a range of crimes, including domestic and sexual violence, human trafficking and stalking/harassment. Victim services advocates provide updates after hearings, can accompany victims to court, facilitate meetings with law enforcement and prosecutors, and assist with victim impact statements to ensure their voices are heard.
“The work of our victim services advocates begins the moment a trooper identifies a victim in a crime; the sooner the better,” said Col. James F. Grady II, director of the MSP. “The benefit of these positions are two-fold: it gives victims the attention and understanding they deserve from an experienced and dedicated advocate while freeing up our troopers to focus their time and attention on completing the investigation. The Victim Services Program has helped us to build partnerships with community organizations in support of victim advocacy, allowing us to continue the connection even after court proceedings cease, guiding victims toward recovery resources such as mental health or other treatment services and housing resources, if needed.”
MSP victim advocates carry an average of 20-35 active cases at a time. A total of 1,237 victims were served in 2024.
For more information, including where MSP advocates are currently assigned, visit the Victim Services Program webpage.
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