Attorney General Eric Holder Honors Commissioner Of New York City Department Of Correction For Service To Crime Victims

WASHINGTON, April 20, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Attorney General Eric Holder recognized Commissioner Dora Schriro, from the New York City Department of Correction, with the Allied Professional 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."

Dr. Dora Schriro has heavily emphasized the importance of understanding and assisting victims of crime. At the New York City Department of Correction, she instituted a victim services program with an advisory board composed of survivors and advocates, to ensure that victims' voices would be heard.  Now, classes in victims' issues and awareness are part of the training curriculum, as are policies addressing staff victimization. Dr. Schriro paved the way for greater understanding that correctional agencies also serve crime victims, who deserve respect, rights, and assistance. Dr. Schriro received the Allied Professional Award, which recognizes individuals from a specific discipline outside the victim assistance field for their services to crime victims or for their contribution to the victim service field.

In addition to Dr. Schriro, 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