Police Chief Mcclelland, Area Law Officers Unite For Victims' Rights

April 21, 2010 - Houston Police Chief Charles A. McClelland, Jr. joined area law enforcement leaders and crime victims’ rights groups in a united rally outside Houston City Hall today to help bring attention to National Crime Victims’ Rights Week.

Each April since 1981, communities throughout the country hold annual observances in honor of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. This year’s theme - “Crime Victims’ Rights: Fairness. Dignity. Respect.” - captures the ideals that inspired the victims’ rights movement. Every year, victims’ rights advocates celebrate the progress of the movement and commit themselves to ensuring all victims know about and can exercise the rights that have been afforded to them.

Joining Chief McClelland at today’s downtown rally were Harris County District Attorney Pat Lykos, Harris County Sheriff Adrian Garcia, Pasadena Police Chief Michael Thaler and Andy Kahan, head of the Mayor’s Victims Assistance Office. The rally was coordinated by members of the D.A.’s Victim Witness Division, the Sheriff’s Office, the HPD Victim Services Unit and the Mayor’s Victims Assistance Office.

Communities are using this week (April 18-24) as an opportunity to promote victims’ rights and honor crime victims and those who advocate on their behalf.

Photos of the rally are attached to this news release, including one picture of the empty shoes of Houston area crime victims never to be forgotten.

For additional information, please contact the HPD Public Affairs Division at 713-308-3200.