WINNEMUCCA — With the number of sexual assault, domestic battery and stalking cases up significantly in 2009, and with outside funding drying up, Humboldt County DA Russell Smith went before the Humboldt County Commissioners in an effort to continue the  Witness/Victim Advocate position.

The Witness/Victim Advocate works in conjunction with the DA’s Office to prepare witnesses and victims for the judicial process.

The position of Witness/Victim Advocate is currently funded through grants; however, that funding is expected to end soon. Although the Nevada Attorney General’s Office has indicated they could offer a grant to fund the position through the end of the year, after that the county would have to pick up the tab – in its entirety – which Smith asked the commission to do on Monday (April 5).

Although funded the position is currently vacant after the last individual to hold that position resigned for personal reasons.  Smith noted the DA’s Office did wait the 120 days the county’s attrition policy requires before requesting the funds to hire a new person.

However, there were several issues with the proposal – not the least of which was the county’s tight budget.  Although Smith prepared figures to show the increase in need, he did not present the potential cost to the county in salary and benefits.  Commission Chairman Chuck Giordano advised him to do so and apply again later.

Commissioner Dan Cassinelli asked about having the advocates from the WDVS (Winnemucca Domestic Violence Shelter) to take over some of the duties and responsibilities of the Witness/Victim Advocate.

Smith explained that was not a viable solution because the WDVS advocates are subject to confidentiality rules that would prohibit them from discussing with the DA’s Office anything they might learn while assisting victims and witnesses.

Their function, he added, was to serve the victims with immediate needs such as food and shelter, not necessarily for the process of prosecuting a perpetrator.

The issue will be addressed again when Smith presents the cost to the county.