WASHINGTON, April 20, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Attorney General Eric Holder recognized a U.S. Department of Interior's victims assistance coordinator with the Federal Service Award today at the 2012 annual victims' service awards ceremony, a prelude to the nation's observance of National Crime Victims' Rights Week, April 22-28, 2012.
"This year's 12 awardees have touched, improved and even saved lives. Perhaps most impressively, many of today's award recipients have achieved these results by transforming their own experiences into a positive force for sweeping change," said Attorney General Holder. "Every one of them deserves the commendation that is being bestowed today - not only for their remarkable contributions in responding to protecting and defending crime victims and their loved ones but also for the examples they have set for others to follow."
Roi Holt created the first Victim Assistance Program within the Department of the Interior (DOI), promoting awareness of federal victims' rights laws among federal law enforcement officers. She ensured DOI bureaus and agencies' compliance with policies, procedures, and laws related to the 2004 Crime Victim Rights Act and the 2005 Attorney General Guidelines for Victims and Witness Assistance. She provided law enforcement officers with information, assistance, and referrals for victims of crime.
Holt received the Federal Service Award, which honors programs or individuals for their direct service to victims of federal crimes through exceptional contributions or extraordinary impact on behalf of crime victims in Indian Country, military installations, national parks or in other areas under federal jurisdiction.
In addition to Roi Holt, Attorney General Holder recognized the efforts of eleven other recipients for their extraordinary efforts in the aftermath of a crime, as well as their professional efforts to better serve the needs of victims with disabilities; for assisting U.S. citizens victimized outside the United States; and for ensuring victims receive compensation and other services at the state and local level.
The Office of Justice Programs, headed by Acting Assistant Attorney General Mary Lou Leary, provides federal leadership in developing the nation's capacity to prevent and control crime, administer justice, and assist victims. OJP has six components: the Bureau of Justice Assistance; the Bureau of Justice Statistics; the National Institute of Justice; the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention; the Office for Victims of Crime; and the Office of Sex Offender Sentencing, Monitoring, Apprehending, Registering, and Tracking (SMART). More information about OJP can be found at www.ojp.gov.
SOURCE U.S. Department of Justice - Office of Justice Programs
