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FERRIDAY, La. — The Concordia Parish Sheriff’s Office has been awarded a $70,000 Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) grant for the advancement of locating, recovering, and providing services to victims of violent crime.

This is a “monumental grant” to help the parish’s most vulnerable, according to a news release from CPSO.

“With this grant, your sheriff’s office is in the process of purchasing the latest in computer technology to expedite the process of identifying these victims,” the agency said. “With this new equipment, the workflow time will be substantially reduced, allowing deputies to quickly rescue children and victims of violent crime and immediately begin the healing process with our counseling partners.”

The sheriff’s office states there has already been a direct correlation between grant funding and quick recovery and successful healing processes for victims.

This mission of rescuing children and victims of crime has been one of Sheriff David Hedrick’s top priorities as he continues to push for state-of-the-art methods and equipment to lead the State of Louisiana in this field.

Other surrounding parishes, as well as local, state, and federal law enforcement partners, are now entrusting the Concordia Parish Sheriff’s Office to assist with their investigations using CPSO detectives’ technical assistance and proven expertise.

Hedrick said he will continue to expand the digital forensic lab and the continuous training needed to man its advanced technology and will continue to pursue those who prey upon the community’s most vulnerable citizens.