Alachua County Sheriff's Office

Trauma Intervention and Special Services Bureau

Laura Knudson
(352) 367-4137 or (352)367-4199
lknudson@alachuasheriff.org

Trauma Intervention and Special Services Bureau (TISSB) was established by Sheriff Darnell in 2007. The Bureau name was born out of the Sheriff's vision to enhance existing services and promote innovative services for vulnerable victim populations.

Trauma is defined as any physical wound or injury; an emotional shock following a stressful event; distressing, emotionally disturbing. Trauma is understood to be an almost universal experience of crime victims and law enforcement. Traumatic experiences can include being physically attacked, being in an automobile crash, being sexually assaulted, being a victim of partner violence and being a witness to violence. The need to address trauma is increasingly recognized as essential for quality of life.

Intervention means to interfere, to come between so as to prevent or modify the result or course of events. TISSB works to lessen the burden that comes with exposure to violence and traumatic episodes.

The Bureau is comprised of a Bureau Chief and four victim advocates. The Bureau Chief works on special projects for the Sheriff's Office to address unmet needs related to victimization. Advocates of the Victim Services Unit respond to victims of violent crime and family survivors in cases of violent and sudden death. Advocates also act as a liaison between the criminal justice system and the victim/survivor. Bureau staff serve as community ambassadors by creating partnerships with local agencies and task forces that ensure coordinated service to vulnerable populations.

Seniors vs. Crime

Director and Senior Sleuths
(352) 367-4023 or 1-800-203-3099
seniorsvscrime@alachuasheriff.org

The Sheriff's Office partners with Florida's Attorney General to bring Seniors vs. Crime to Alachua County. The program goal of Seniors vs. Crime is to reduce victimization of senior citizens who are often targeted for specific crimes based on their age. The program is staffed by Senior Sleuth volunteers and provides direct consumer protection services to seniors who may have been victimized or otherwise taken advantage of by businesses or service providers. Civil cases are referred to Seniors vs. Crime. Criminal cases are referred to law enforcement. For Gainesville and surrounding areas Seniors vs. Crime is open every Wednesday and Thursday from 11am to 3pm in a storefront just inside the main entrance to the Sheriff's Office.