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Cheyenne approves $20,000 contract with Safe Harbor for forensic interviews and training
Summary
Council approved an agreement, not to exceed $20,000, with Safe Harbor Children's Justice Center to provide forensic interviews and related training for local law enforcement; Safe Harbor director Lynn Heiler described services and the nonprofit's role in multidisciplinary child-abuse response.
The Cheyenne City Council approved a contract with Safe Harbor, the local Children's Justice Center, in an amount not to exceed $20,000 to provide forensic interviews and support for child-abuse investigations.
Lynn Heiler, Safe Harbor's director, described the center's role in coordinating neutral forensic interviews so that children do not have to repeat traumatic interviews: "Forensic interviewing is the best practices model of how you talk to children who have been maybe abused and neglected," she said, adding that Safe Harbor also trains patrol officers to preserve case integrity.
Councilmembers praised the long-standing relationship with Safe Harbor and noted the contract funds specifically support the forensic interviews provided to the Cheyenne Police Department. The finance committee recommended approval; the council adopted the agreement by voice vote.
Next steps: Staff will execute the contract and Safe Harbor will continue to provide interviews and training described in its presentation.
