Town of Paradise

Citizen Resources

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VICTIM/WITNESS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

Serving the County of Butte

The Victim/Witness Program was created to help reduce the amount of trauma victims of crime experience.  The Victim/Witness Assistance Center cares about the needs of victims and witnesses of crime, and provides personalized services to meet their needs.  Program assistance responds to immediate needs, connects clients to appropriate community resources, guides them through crimal justice proceedings, and facilitates the recovery of their loss.

YOUR RIGHTS AS A VICTIM

• to be informed about the progress and outcome of your case
• to be informed about social services agencies which can help you
• to be assisted by criminal justice system agencies
• to be informed about available compensation for your injuries and lost work time
• to be free from inconvenience during your participation within the criminal justice system

WHO DOES THE PROGRAM SERVE?

The program serves all persons who become victims or witnesses of crime - including their close family and loved ones.  Since each person's needs are uniquely different, services are not limited to those listed.

SERVICES PROVIDED

• Immediate assistance
• Follow up care
• Assistance in court
• Recover of loss

If you are a victim of a crime and need assistance, call

Butte County Victim/Witness Assistance Center

25 County Center Drive, Suite 218

Oroville, CA 95965

Oroville Telephone Number (530) 538-7340

Chico Telephone Number (530) 891-2812

CALL TO SEE IF THEY CAN HELP YOU!

MARSY'S LAW

Victims' Bill of Rights

The California Constitution, Article 1, Section 28, confers certain rights to victims of crime as they are defined in the law.  Those right include:

• Fairness and respect
• Protection from the defendant
• Victim safety considerations in setting bail and release conditions
• The prevention of the disclosure of confidential information
• Refusal to be interviewed by the defense
• Conference with the prosectuion and notice of pre-trial disposition
• Notice of and presence at public proceedings
• Appearance at court proceedings and expression of views
• Speedy trial and prompt conclusion of the case
• provision of information to the Probation Department
• Receipt of pre-sentence report
• Information about conviction, sentence, incarceration, release, and escape
• Restitution
• The prompt return of property
• Notice of parole procedures and release on parole
• Safety of victim and public are factors in parole release
• Information about these 16 rights

For more information on Marsy's Law, visit the Attorney General's website at: www.ag.ca.gov/victimservices or the Butte County District Attorney's Website: http://buttecounty.net/da/

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI)

Victim Notification Program

ICE and HSI is committed to protecting the public and ensuring that the rights of victims are carefully observed.  HSI administers the Victim Notification Program which allows eligible victims and witnesses to obtain reliable and timely information regarding a criminal alien's release from custody.  

RESIDENTIAL SAFETY INFORMATION

Remember the three D's of Burglary Prevention:  Deter - Detect - Delay 

Click the links to learn more about how to protect your home.

pdf Home Security Booklet (302 KB)

pdf Is your home safe? (1.10 MB)

pdf Neighborhood Watch (958 KB)

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

The Paradise Police Department welcomes civic and student groups to tour the Police Station.  Tours are offered by appointment only and conducted during the stations' business hours which are from 8:00am to 5:00pm.  Groups learn about the responsibilities of the station, its personnel, and police equipment through activities that are both fun and educational.  Most areas of the police station will be toured as long as no sensitive business or investigations are being conducted.  Police patrol cars are available to tour as well.  An average tour is approximately 30 to 40 minutes.  Tours may be terminated if groups are disruptive, therefore, we ask there be a sufficient number of adults to provide supervision for children.

To schedule a tour, guest speaker, presentation, training, demonstration, or Police/Volunteer services at a community or private event, complete the  pdf Event Request Form (66 KB) pdf and return to the Police Department at least 30 days in advance.  After your form is received, you will be contacted by a department representative to discuss details and/or cost.  The Paradise Police Department will make every effort to accomodate requests depending on conflicting staffing, emergencies, or other engagements.

COMPLIMENTS AND COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE

COMPLIMENT - The Chief of Police expects employees to perform their duties to the best of their ability.  A Commendation can be written on behalf of those employees who you believe have gone beyond the normal scope of their duties.
COMPLAINT - The Chief of Police has a legal mandate to ensure procedures exist for investigating complaints made by members of the public against Police Department personnel.  Allegations of misconduct against Department personnel are investigated thoroughly and objectively, and appropriate action taken, with the goals of maintaining the integrity of the Department and the confidence of the public.  Compliments and/or Complaints Resource Guide

FALSE ALARMS 

False Alarms exact heavy tolls on municipal and police department resources. Personnel and equipment are diverted unnecessarily, time is expended and money is lost.

The Town of Paradise adopted an ordinance to address these issues and this ordinance, Paradise Municipal Code Section 9.60 requires all users of security alarm systems to register their alarm system with the Town of Paradise.  Registration helps the police department contact and communicate with the appropriate individual following the activation of an alarm while at the same time helping to ensure alarm users avoid any adverse consequence of not complying with the ordinance.

Existing registered alarm owners will receive renewal letters to be paid by July 1, 2014 (If applicable)

New alarm owners are required to register immediately

• Individuals may complete their registration online by visiting https://paradiseca.citysupport.org. 

• If registration through the mail is preferred a packet can be picked up at the Police Department, printed out online at https://paradiseca.citysupport.org or www.townofparadise.com, click  on Shortcuts then "All Town Documents". 

• Contact customer service by calling (888)865-9770. 

BE INFORMED!  Pick up your copy of the Town of Paradise Municipal Code Section 9.60 and the Town of Paradise Alarm Fee Schedule at the Police Department.  Both the Municipal Codes and the Fee Schedule can be located in Shortcuts on www.townofparadise.com by clicking on Municipal Codes and/or Police & Animal Fees.