April 13 through 19 marks National Crime Victims' Rights Week, and Collin County's law enforcement community will be hosting events designed to remind residents of those directly affected by crime.

Since 1981, National Crime Victims' Rights Week has been set aside as a time of national remembrance, and to build public awareness about challenges crime victims face. It's also a time to celebrate hard-won progress in victims' rights and services.

Empty Shoes

The Collin County Crime Victim's Assistance Council will display its Empty Shoe Project on the front steps of the Collin County Courthouse during National Crime Victims' Rights Week. The project represents the sheer number of crime victims who have walked through the justice system in the last year. In 2007, that figure totaled 1,234.

Those who wish to donate shoes for the display may do so at the following agencies: the Collin County District Attorneys Office; McKinney Police Department; Collin County Sheriffs Office; The Turning Point; Crossroads Family Services; or, the Allen Police Department. The shoes need to be collected by April 10.

For more information about the Empty Shoe Project, contact Niccole Frazier, Crime Victim Advocate with the Allen Police Department, at 214-509-4254.

Safety Expo

Collin County public safety A Safety Expo will be held at the Collin County Courthouse on Friday, April 18, as part of local observances for National Crime Victims Week. The expo will take place in the courthouse parking lot, 2100 Bloomdale Road, in McKinney, from 1-4 p.m. Residents of all ages can get a first-hand look at how public safety officials from police, fire rescue, military and other public safety agencies serve, protect and educate their communities.

Courthouse Activities include:

• SWAT team demonstrations using non-lethal weapons and a display of SWAT weapons and equipment;
• Vehicle displays including DARE, patrol cars, fire engines, ambulances, and military trucks; police bikes;
• Photos with the police, firefighters, and soldiers;
• Appearances by McGruff the crime dog;
• Meet the canine officers;
• Guided tours of the new courthouse;
• Child Safety seat Demonstrations;
• Clowns for the children;
• Refreshments, giveaways and interactive tables. Tables will be set up to give out information.
• KLAK radio station will set up a stage with music.

2008 National Crime Victims' Rights Week Schedule of Events

Sponsored by John R. Roach, District Attorney of Collin County, and The Collin County Crime Victim's Council

When: Monday-Friday, April 14-18, 2008
What: Silhouette Display & Empty Shoe Project*
Where: Collin County Courthouse, 2100 Bloomdale Road, McKinney
* These silhouettes and shoes represent the 1,234 crime victims served by the Victim Assistance Unit of the D.A.'s office in 2007

When: Friday, April 18, 2008, 1-4 p.m.
What: Safety Expo
Where: Collin County Courthouse, 2100 Bloomdale Road, McKinney

When: Saturday, April 19, 2008, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
What: Family Fun Day, presented by CITY House
Where: Haggard Park, Plano

When: Wednesday, April 23, 2008, 7:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
What: Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Conference, presented by CITY House
Where: Collin College Conference Center, Spring Creek Campus, Plano.

When: Thursday, April 24, 2008, 6:30-8 p.m.
What: A Candle for Hope, A Call for Action; Candlelight Vigil 6:30 PM; presented by The Turning Point and Collin College; with Emcee Macie Jepson of WFAA-TV and Keynote speaker Vickie Lamb, survivor.
Where: Collin College Spring Creek Campus Atrium, Plano

For a resource guide on Crime Victims' Rights in general, follow this link to the U.S. Justice Department's Office for Victims of Crimes.

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