Victims, witnesses gain new county advocate

Garth Meyer | Jul 28, 20110

From the WSU psychology department to the local prosecutor’s office, Whitman County has a new advocate for people affected by crime.

A 2011 WSU graduate, Tiana Collins began in June as the new Victim/Witness Specialist.

Her work involves providing guidance and information.

Aside from explaining the process of going through court, she refers victims and witnesses to resources within the community such as counseling, safe housing and legal aid. She accompanies victims and witnesses to hearings, answers questions regarding the process and helps with matters of restitution, including bodily injury and property damage.

Tiana Collins began her new position in the prosecutor’s office in June. A native of Wenatchee, she graduated from WSU in May.

“I like to compare it to Maslow’s hierarchy,” Collins said, referring to the famed psychologist’s Hierarchy of Human Needs. “These are basic, primary needs in these situations.”

Her first day was June 16.

“I get to use some of my psychology background and my caring and compassionate side,” she said. “It’s kind of the best of both worlds.”

She works in Superior Court as well as District Court, which holds a session in Pullman once a week.

This past week she aided the victims in three different trial cases. The caseload goes up and down with whatever is happening.

“It picks up when school starts too,” she said. “I’m definitely looking forward to August.”

Without a background in law, Collins has already learned a lot. Much of it came from just observing the halls of justice her first week.

“It’s been an eye-opening experience, learning how the court works,” said Collins. “Every day there’s something new (to learn), but I feel like that’s what life is. It’s a great opportunity to work with people that are definitely in need, which is very rewarding,” she said.

She applied for the job in May, on her birthday, after a co-worker said it would be perfect for her. She spent three years with WSU’s Office of Student Conduct during her student years.

Collins was raised in the Wenatchee area and is a graduate of Eastmont High School.

She invites citizens to call her at the prosecutor’s office if they have questions.

“I want to make sure I can help ease the process, because it can be very daunting,” she said.