FAQs

		FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS What is Court Advocacy? Court Advocacy is an integral part of Chicago’s community policing program, CAPS. CAPS is an innovative crime-fighting strategy that brings citizens, police, and other City agencies together to identify and solve problems of neighborhood crime and disorder. Court Advocates volunteer and are staffed in all 25 Chicago police districts. What do Court Advocates do? Represent the community’s interests and concerns by attending court hearings and tracking court cases Act in the courtroom as well-informed, respectful, and easily identified observers by wearing official Court Advocacy badges and abiding by established courtroom protocols and program guidelines Maintain a strong presence in courtrooms to support victims and witnesses of crime and to demonstrate to criminals, judges and legislators that the community holds them accountable Build relationships with state’s attorneys prosecuting cases of interest to the community and the police officers Work through police district or other Court Advocacy committees to raise awareness in government and neighborhoods about crime, disorder and violence and their impact on our communities Report case outcomes to inform police and other city agencies, the court system, and legislators about community crime, disorder and violence, their extent, and how to address them In collective action with others, influence legislation and public policy Become better informed citizens and voters and better guardians of dependents Who are D.A.W.G. (or animal-case) Court Advocates? Call 312-409-2169. D.A.W.G. Court Advocates are dedicated to preventing violence against animals and breaking the cycle of violence against humans and animals in our communities. With the Chicago Police Department, CAPS and Animal Care & Control as partners, D.A.W.G. (Dog Advisory Work Group) manages this city-wide effort and works with police districts and numerous organizations to raise awareness in government and neighborhoods about violence involving animals, its connection to other crimes and acts of violence, and its impact on our communities. Do I need special training to be a Court Advocate? Yes. Court advocacy training provides instruction on proper courtroom etiquette, basic courtroom procedures, and the workings of the city-sponsored court advocacy committees. Court advocates serve as representatives of the city-sponsored program and must comply with program guidelines. You get an information-packed manual, too. What impact do D.A.W.G. Court Advocates have? More effective prosecution and resolution of cases involving animals in a system flooded with court cases and, partly as a consequence, more effective enforcement of laws by police Stiffer sentences for offenders within the confines of the law Removal of abused or neglected animals from their abusers or irresponsible guardians, and prohibition of offenders from further contact with companion animals during sentences Positive and proactive responses from witnesses, arresting police officers, prosecuting attorneys, and judges A voice for animal victims in the judicial system and the community More awareness of the seriousness and impact of these crimes, their connection to violence and other crimes, and the significance of responsible guardianship and citizenry More effective responses and action from government agencies in addressing these crimes As partners and in support of other organizations and agencies, improved laws Solidarity against these crimes and violence and in support of police enforcement of laws How much time is required to be a Court Advocate? Court advocacy is a volunteer program—any amount of service is appreciated. The amount of time spent in court for a particular case varies according to when the case is called or if it is passed. The number of times you go to court depends on your availability and interest. Some advocates go two or three times a year; others, many. If I can’t go to court, what else can I do to help? Spread the word about the seriousness of these crimes and the impact they have on society Spread the word about indications of these crimes and the proper channels for reporting them to authorities Help prepare and disseminate materials and web-based communications Keep in touch with your elected government officials on legislative issues, and stay informed Volunteer at your local domestic violence shelter, animal welfare agency or organization, youth center top \| © 2004