This file is provided for reference purposes only. It was current when produced, but is no longer maintained and may now be outdated. Please send an email for questions or for further information.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEOVC
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1997202/307-0703

New Leading Federal Advocate for Crime Victims At OVC Helm

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Reginald L. Robinson, an advocate for victims' rights, this week assumed the post of acting director of the Justice Department's Office for Victims of Crime (OVC). Robinson, who has been instrumental in efforts to develop a victims' rights amendment to the U.S. Constitution, succeeds OVC director Aileen Adams who resigned the post after three years to return to California.

"As OVC's acting director, Reggie Robinson will ensure program continuity. He knows OVC's programs and staff, and is committed to the issues important to victims and their families," said Assistant Attorney General Laurie Robinson, who heads the Office of Justice Programs (OJP). "I am delighted that he has agreed to take on this new assignment."

In addition to ensuring program continuity and advocacy on behalf of victims' rights, Acting Director Robinson said he wants to improve programs and services for hate crime victims. He also praised Adams' achievements as OVC director. "Aileen is a strong voice for victims, and she has left a lasting impact on how our criminal justice system treats crime victims. She brought comfort, healing and hope to so many families during some very difficult times -- such as following the Oklahoma City bombing."

Prior to his OVC appointment, Robinson served in a variety of Justice Department posts, most recently as Deputy Associate Attorney General, where he was a key adviser on civil rights, environmental and justice programs. He also played a vital role in departmental work on a victims' rights constitutional amendment. From 1994 to early 1997, he was the Deputy Assistant Attorney General at OJP, spearheading efforts in community-based public safety initiatives and leading the department's implementation of the Drug Courts Program. He came to the Justice Department in 1993 as a White House Fellow, serving as special assistant to Attorney General Janet Reno.

Robinson earned his undergraduate and law degrees at the University of Kansas where he was also a law faculty member. He and his wife, Jane, a registered nurse, have two daughters -- Clare and Paige.

For more information about the Office for Victims of Crime, visit OVC's World Wide Web site at https://ojp.gov/ovc or the Office of Justice Programs web site at https://ojp.gov. Or, call the Office for Victims of Crime Resource Center at 800/627-6872.

###

OVC98022

After hours contact: Linda Mansour on 202/616-3534 or page on 888/582-6750