By Jo Mathis
Legal News
As the assistant coordinator of Jackson County’s Victim Rights Unit, Beverly Strickrodt was honored to receive the Jackson County Bar Association’s Liberty Bell award recently.
But the Jackson resident insists the honor also belongs to many others who work in the Jackson County criminal justice system.
“It’s a big circle of hard-working people I am involved with, and I think that’s the only reason I got this award,” said Strickrodt. “Everyone should be getting this award because they all work so hard. Every aspect of the court.”
The Liberty Bell Award is given each year in conjunction with Law Day to honor outstanding service performed by a non-lawyer citizen who has helped “strengthen the effectiveness of the American system of freedom under law, in keeping with the spirit of our Constitution.”
Strickrodt has worked with hundreds of crime victims over the last four years, helping them understand the criminal justice system and their rights as victims.
“The things that happen to these people are sad, heart-breaking, horrific,” she said. “But at least we can help them get the answers they need, and help them get the things done they need to do through the court system so they’re not struggling with that on top of their heartache.”
For years, Strickrodt worked in loss prevention for Meijer Inc., where she was in charge of handling the bad checks received by three of its stores. That’s how she met the staff at the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office. In 2001, then-prosecutor John McBain hired her as a legal secretary. Shortly thereafter, she was assigned to run what the office referred to as the “Bad Check Program.” She held that position until it dissolved due to budget cuts in 2010. She then became part of the Victim Rights Unit.
“What helps the victims the most is that this unit gives them the connection between the court and their needs,” she said. “Most people have no idea what happens when you become involved as a victim of a crime. Most people don’t know where the courthouse is.
“What surprises them the most is that a unit exists to take care of them, she said.
“They’re very relieved and pleased that they don’t have to go to the courtroom by themselves and feel intimidated,” she said.
When a criminal case is authorized by the prosecutor, the Victim Rights Unit staff sends letters to the victims, who then have the option of reaching out to the unit.
“It doesn’t matter what the crime is, for the person that it happens to, it’s one of the worst things ever happened to them,” said Strickrodt. “Whether it’s a car crash because someone was drinking alcohol, or an actual murder, when things like that of any nature happen to you, it’s traumatic. Of course, the murder would be worse. But for the person who has their car crashed into because someone was out drinking, that could be the worst thing that’s ever happened to them … They all need someone to help them.”
When she leaves her office for the day, Strickrodt, the mother of two grown sons and five grandchildren, knows she’s done important work.
“You know people got their questions answered and you did something good to help these folks,” she said. “It’s a good feeling.”
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