Conway Police Support Crime Victims with New Program

CONWAY, Arkansas – Conway Police are expanding their community-wide outreach to crime victims.

As the team of victim advocates in the department has grown, the need for their help has also increased and positive results have already been achieved.

“It’s really eye-opening how much of an impact it’s already had,” said Sergeant Brittani Little.

Whether you have been the victim of a fraud or a more serious crime, the Conway Police Victim Assistance Program is here to help.

“I saw the need for victims to have more contact and understanding of our investigative process and the subsequent judicial process,” said Sergeant Little.

The program, which is run by three women, has been in the works for several years and really took off in August.

Sergeant Brittani Little is overseeing the case and is working with Lisa Oedewaldt and Heather Buckman to not only keep victims updated on the investigation, but also to offer them support and resources.

“Maybe it's taking away their ability to go to the grocery store, or it's something so minor that the police wouldn't normally be able to help. There are food banks, but we can help them get access to the food,” she explained.

Little said it has been really rewarding so far as they have come into contact with hundreds of people affected by crime in one way or another.

“While we're there trying to actively help them get through what's going on with them, they want to volunteer to help because they're so happy with what we've done for them,” she said.

Buckman said her goal is to break down any walls and gain people's trust so she can help them more effectively.

“I think a lot of times people are scared or nervous about coming to the department because they feel like they have to do something. We're just here to support them, give them the resources they need, encourage them. We're really just building some kind of connection with them,” Buckman explained.

They said they were not just there temporarily and would continue to follow up on each individual case.

“We want them to know that they will get support from us here, and it doesn’t matter if it is a week after their crime [or] If it takes a year and they need to contact us, they can do that,” Buckman added.

If you would like to help them help others, they are accepting donations. Here is a wish list of items they will be distributing to people and children in need.