UTC Police Department’s Electronic Device Collection Drive for Domestic Abuse and Sexual Assault Victims Returns for Third Year
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In The Know with Gino…
The UTC Police Department is once again collecting old electronic devices to aid victims of domestic abuse and sexual assault for the third consecutive year. This initiative, in partnership with 911 Cell Phone Bank, provides a secure and free service for individuals and businesses to recycle their unwanted electronic devices.
The 911 Cell Phone Bank, a nationally recognized organization, collaborates with law enforcement and victim advocate groups to ensure these devices are securely data-erased before being donated. These devices are then distributed to victims of human trafficking, sexual assault, and domestic violence.
How the Program Works
Community members looking to support victims of relationship violence by recycling their old electronic devices can drop them off at the donation collection box in the UTC Police Department front lobby at 400 Palmetto Street. The department collects and ships these devices to the 911 Cell Phone Bank. In return, they receive cell phones and other devices to distribute to victims and advocates working with victims of violent crimes.
Victims can obtain a phone by having their local partnering agency contact the UTC Police Department, which then activates the phone and delivers it to the requesting agency. Partnering agencies include the Rape Crisis Center, Family Justice Center, and all law enforcement agencies in Hamilton County.
When victims receive a phone, they are provided with two months of unlimited service, including voice and text. After two months, a $10 per month service is offered, and the phone remains the property of the victim.
Over the past two years, the 911 Cell Phone Bank has provided cell phones for victims across Hamilton County, iPads for the Hamilton County District Attorney’s Victim Advocates, and iPads for the Rape Crisis Center.
For more information or to arrange a pickup, contact Sgt. Ken Lloyd at kenneth-lloyd@utc.edu. The donation collection drop box is located in the front lobby of the UTC Police Department at 400 Palmetto Street.
SOURCE: Chattanooga Pulse
