(A) The Department of Crime Victim Ombudsman is created in the Office of the Attorney General, South Carolina Crime Victim Services Division. The Crime Victim Ombudsman is appointed by the Director of the Crime Victim Services Division.
(B) The Crime Victim Ombudsman shall:
(1) refer crime victims to the appropriate element of the criminal and juvenile justice systems or victim assistance programs, or both, when services are requested by crime victims or are necessary as determined by the ombudsman;
(2) act as a liaison between elements of the criminal and juvenile justice systems, victim assistance programs, and crime victims when the need for liaison services is recognized by the ombudsman; and
(3) review and attempt to resolve complaints against elements of the criminal and juvenile justice systems or victim assistance programs, or both, made to the ombudsman by victims of criminal activity within the state's jurisdiction.
HISTORY: 1994 Act No. 433, Section 1; 2008 Act No. 271, Section 4, eff January 1, 2009; 2014 Act No. 121 (S.22), Pt V, Section 7.Z, eff July 1, 2015; 2017 Act No. 96 (S.289), Section 7, eff July 1, 2017.
Effect of Amendment
2017 Act No. 96, Pt. II, Section 7, rewrote the section, making conforming changes reflecting the restructuring of victim services all generally relating to the newly created Office of the Attorney General, South Carolina Crime Victim Services Division, Department of Crime Victim Ombudsman and its responsibilities.