CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – (CLARKSVILLENOW) The Board of Parole (BOP), the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), the Department of Correction (TDOC) and the Tennessee Rehabilitative Initiative in Correction (TRICOR) are marking 10 years of ceremonies honoring crime victims and victim advocates statewide.
All events this year take place April 9-13, which coincides with the observance of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. The Clarksville event took place Monday at the Career Development Center. Parole Board Chairman Richard Montgomery said, “Crime victims are a key voice in the justice system. This year’s national theme is ‘Expand the Circle—Reach All Victims.’”
During the event, Sheri Murphy, DUI Coordinator for the 19th District Attorney General’s Office, was honored with the 2018 Voice for Victims Award for Clarksville for her work on behalf of victims of crime. Murphy has been a member of the DA’s staff for 23 years, and has launched numerous initiatives that have enhanced services to crime victims and said she was very honored and excited to receive the award.
Sergeant Jimmy Brown, Traffic Commander with the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, was the featured speaker. He shared his story from April 1, 2017 when he was struck and injured on I-24 during a traffic stop. The driver was charged with reckless aggravated assault, DUI and violation of the move-over law.
“We are proud to partner with TBI, Correction and TRICOR on this statewide effort, and to make more crime victims aware of the services our agencies provide to them,” Brown said.
TBI Director Mark Gwyn agreed. “Assisting crime victims strengthens the criminal justice system. It also helps people affected by crime to heal, and makes our communities safer. When crime victims feel understood and supported, they are more likely to seek services,” he said.