District Attorney demands urgent funding for crime victims support

In a recent government meeting, Wyandotte County District Attorney Mark Dupree, Sr. addressed budgetary concerns regarding his office's funding and resources for victim advocacy. Dupree clarified misconceptions stemming from a budget presentation by County Administrator Johnson on August 1, 2024, particularly regarding a reported $120,000 increase in funding. He emphasized that this amount was not new funding but rather part of previously approved costs related to ongoing digitization efforts from 2022.

Dupree also corrected claims about a new sex crime victims advocate position, stating that while his office does have such a position, it has been funded by a grant received in 2018 and is already included in the current staffing of 3.5 victim advocates. He highlighted the urgent need for additional resources, noting that the current caseload for victim advocates has nearly tripled compared to other regions, with over 900 cases being managed.

The District Attorney's office recently secured a $683,000 grant aimed at assisting victims of gun violence, which, while significant, cannot be allocated for funding victim advocate positions. Dupree is advocating for the addition of four new victim advocates, estimating a cost of approximately $380,000, to better serve the community and fulfill the obligations outlined in Kansas's Crime Victims Bill of Rights.

Acknowledging the financial challenges faced by the county, Dupree urged the commission to consider funding at least two additional advocates in the current budget, with a plan for future funding to enhance support for crime victims. He reiterated his commitment to being a voice for victims' rights and called for collaborative efforts to improve resources for those affected by crime in Wyandotte County.