The mission of the Victims' Assistance Program is to support Community Policing by helping to reduce the Community's fears and burdens from criminal activity. The Program will provide financial assistance to victims of violent crime or loss of property by building a partnership with the victim(s), the media, police officers, and members of the community.

The first beneficiary of the new fund was the City's Veterans Memorial, which was vandalized and seriously damaged last month.

The SJPOA presented a $5,000 donation from its Victims' Assistance Program to San Jose Mayor Ron Gonzales and members of the Veteran’s of Foreign Wars Council of Santa Clara County to go towards restoring the damaged memorial.

"The membership of the San Jose Police Officers' Association is proud to help restore the Veteran’s Memorial," said Don DeMers, President of the San Jose Police Officers' Association. "It’s a special honor to have the first donation from our new Victims' Assistance Program go towards restoring a monument dedicated to honoring those who risked their lives to ensure our freedom."

The San Jose Police Officers' Association formed the Victims' Assistance Program to assist the victims of violent crimes or loss of property in our community. The program assists crime victims by providing them with financial assistance and support.

The Victims' Assistance Program will partner with local and national media to bring greater attention and community support to the needs of crime victims in our city. The program will consider applicants referred by the local media and will accept contributions from local businesses and residents to assist victims. All contributions are tax deductible.

The Veteran's Memorial of San José is located on the lawn adjacent to the Center for Performing Arts and features inscribed glass sheets with historical accounts of past wars including World War II and the Vietnam War. On March 19, 2005, damage to the Veterans Memorial was discovered. The San José Police Department is still investigating the details of this case. The estimated cost to restore the memorial is $20,000.

Download the Victims Assistance flyer.