SHREVEPORT, La. United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown joins with the Office for Victims of Crime, a component of Justice Departments Office of Justice Programs, (OJP) in recognizing Assistant U.S. Associate Earl M. Campbell, and his fellow team members, for receiving the Federal Service Award last Wednesday in Washington, D.C. Mr. Campbell currently serves as the U.S. Criminal Chief. Attorneys Office for the Western District of Louisiana.
The Federal Service Award was presented by the Office for Victims of Crime to the Environmental Crime Victim Assistance Team, which is a collaboration of the Environmental Protection Agencys Office of Criminal Enforcement, Forensics and Training and Justice Departments Environmental and Natural Resources Division. This award recognizes federal agency personnel who make extraordinary contributions to victims of federal, tribal, and military crimes or promote victims rights, services, and legislation nationally and internationally.
Degrading the environment has a devastating effect on our planet. However, we often forget that each victim also pays a high price and is often left to suffer silently, according to Amy L. Solomon (Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General at OJP). These crimes cause immense damage that is often not detected until injuries and illnesses reach the point where it becomes a personal crisis. We are grateful for the vigilance, resourcefulness, and professionalism of this dedicated group of professionals.
The Environmental Crime Victim Assistance Team was created in 2017. It assists victims of environmental injustices. Environmental crimes such as pollution and exposure to carcinogens can cause injuries that may not manifest until years later. It is also difficult to distinguish between underlying medical conditions and external causes. Prior to the creation, there weren’t any national protocols or federal resources that would ensure victims of environmental crime were identified, notified, and treated consistently across the country.
The program produced a decision tree to identify victims, an environmental crime victim impact statement template, an investigation checklist to ensure victims are taken into consideration, and model language and jury instructions for certain witness retaliation crimes. The team is working to improve outreach to victims in communities that are overburdened and to ensure that investigations are structured to seek remedies that provide adequate protection for these communities. Program achievements include the establishment of a national victim-witness coordinator position in EPA, the hiring of a victim-witness Coordinator for ENRDs Environmental Crimes Section and the launch public webpages to reach victims of environmental crimes.
Kristina Ros, Director of OVC, stated that “this outstanding team of advocates, attorneys, exemplifies compassionate in the pursuit of sometimes elusive justice. It gives hope to those who have suffered the burden of careless or criminal environmental practices,” Kristina Rose. We owe these professionals a tremendous debt of gratitude.
OVC leads communities throughout the country to observe National Crime Victims Rights Week every April. President Ronald W. Reagan established the first Victims Rights Week in 1981. He called for greater awareness and respect for the rights of victims. The theme of this year’s observance was “Victims Rights Week”, which took place last week from April 24-30. All Victims Have Rights, Access, and Equity.
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