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1. Who may qualify?

• An innocent victim of crime who suffers substantial threat of physical and/or emotional harm or death.
• A dependent victim.
• An authorized individual acting on behalf of a victim.
• An intervener who goes to the aid of a victim or peace officer.
• A person who legally assumes the obligations or voluntarily pays certain expenses related to the crime on behalf of the victim.
• Immediate family or household members related by blood or marriage who require counseling as a result of the crime.
• A peace officer, firefighter or individual who has a duty to protect the public and who is injured in a crime.

 

2. Who is not eligible?

Benefits may be reduced or denied if the victim:

• Participated in the crime.
• Engaged in illegal activity.
• Contributed to the crime was an inmate at the time of the crime.
• Knowingly or intentionally submitted false or forged information to the Crime Victims' Compensation Program.
• Did not cooperate with the appropriate law enforcement agencies.

3. What crimes are covered?

Crimes covered by Crime Victims' Compensation are those in which the victim suffers substantial threat of physical or emotional harm or death. These may include sexual assault, kidnapping, robbery, assault, homicide and other violent crimes.

Vehicular crimes that are covered include failure to stop and render aid. DWI, manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide, aggravated assault, intoxication, and intoxication assault.

4. What type of financial assistance is available?

Claims may be approved for benefits up to a total of $50,000. In the case of extraordinary pecuniary losses resulting in a total and permanent disability, victims may be eligible for an additional $75,000 in benefits.

Upon approval, benefits may be awarded for the following:

• Medical, hospital, physical therapy or nursing care.
• Psychiatric care or counseling.
• One-time relocation assistance for victims who are assaulted in the victim's place of residence, including victims of family violence, sexual assault, stalking or human trafficking.
• Loss of earnings or support.
• Loss of wages and travel reimbursement due to participation in or attendance at the investigation, prosecutorial and judicial processes.
• Care of a child or dependent.
• Funeral and burial expenses.
• Crime scene clean-up.
• Replacement costs for clothing, bedding or other properly seized as evidence or endured unusable as the result of the investigation.
• Attorney fees for assistance in filing the Crime Victims' Compensation application and in obtaining benefits if the claim is approved.
• Loss of wages and travel to seek medical treatment or counseling.

Additional benefits for victims who have suffered an extraordinary pecuniary loss include:

• Making a home or car accessible.
• Job training and vocational rehabilitation.
• Training in the use of special appliances.
• Home health care.
• Reimbursement of lost wages.
• Rehabilitation technology, long term medical expenses and durable medical equipment.

Reimbursement for property damage or theft is not an eligible expense. Please note that financial assistance may be limited or unavailable depending on laws in effect when the crime occurred.

5. How do I apply?

Every law enforcement agency and prosecutor's office in Texas is mandated to provide victims of crime with information about the Crime Victims' Compensation Program application for benefits. When contacting these agencies, please ask for the victim assistance liaison or coordinator, who can provide assistance in completing the application. Hospitals and medical centers may also have applications and materials.

Applications for benefits can be obtained directly from the Crime Victims' Compensation Program in the Office of the Attorney General by calling 800-983-9933. Professional staff at the division are also available to answer any questions and provide assistance in completing the application. An application can be completed online or downloaded from www.texasattorneygeneral.gov.

Click here to download the Crime Victims’ Compensation Application, fill it out (remember to sign) and either mail it directly to the Attorney General’s Office in Austin at: 

Office of the Attorney General 

Crime Victims’ Compensation Program (011) 

P.O. Box 12198 

Austin, Texas 78711-2198  

You can also fax (817-491-6053) or mail it to the Roanoke Police Department’s Victim Liaison at: 

Roanoke Police Department 

Attn: Crime Victim Assistance

609 Dallas Drive

Roanoke, TX 76262

 

 Texas Crime Victims' Compensation Application - English

 Texas Crime Victims' Compensation Application - Español

6. What are my rights to appeal when benefits have been reduced or denied?

If the Crime Victims' Compensation Program makes a decision with which the victim or claimant disagrees, he or she has a right under the law to ask that the decision be reconsidered. In order to appeal a decision, the victim or claimant must notify Crime Victims' Compensation in writing within 30 days, stating the reason for dissatisfaction. If the outcome of the reconsideration process is not satisfactory, the victim or claimant has 30 days to request a final ruling hearing from the Crime Victims' Compensation Program. Should the victim or claimant not agree with the outcome of the hearing he or she has 40 days from the date of the final hearing to file the attorney general a written notice of dissatisfaction and 40 days thereafter to file a lawsuit in district court. 

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1. I have called the Police over and over and they won’t help me.

Many times people call the police about things that aren’t crimes. Things are said and done by others that may be painful and may seem like crimes, but if they don’t fit the definition of the crime then Police can’t charge or arrest the offending party. Unfortunately, the Police can’t make people behave more cordially or be more courteous.

2. I have problems with my neighbors and the Police won’t do anything about it.

Many times disputes between neighbors are civil matters. Civil laws are those areas of the law where Police Officers have no authority to act. And those matters are usually handled in non-criminal courts. When disputes don’t involve a criminal issue, it may be necessary for the complaining party to resort to using their own attorney or, if the parties are agreeable, they can be referred, at no cost, to mediation.

3. My ex and I have lots of problems about child visitation and he/she won’t pay child support.

Issues of child support, child custody, child visitation, and divorce are civil issues. These are things that you must handle with your private attorney.

4. I can’t get my friend/adult child/ex to get out of my house and the Police won’t do anything to make them leave!

If your need for the person to leave is because of relationship violence, you can seek a Protective Order through your District Attorney’s Office. If you are seeking to make them leave for other reasons, you may need to pursue an eviction through your Justice of the Peace Office. You can locate more information on where to find Justice of the Peace Courts on these websites: Denton County Justice of the Peace Precincts or Tarrant County Justice of the Peace Precincts. 

5. My spouse/significant other/child is mentally ill and the Police won’t make them get treatment or take them to the hospital. (HSE 573.001)

People who are suffering from mental illness can’t just be “committed” like in the movies. If they are found to be a risk of harm to themselves or others at the time the Police respond, they may be arrested without a warrant and transported to a mental health facility. They may be there only a short time. You are also able to seek a Mental Health/Chemical Dependency Warrant through a County Mental Health Probate Court. For more information, visit Mental Health Treatment Court Program-Denton County or Emergency Mental Health Commitments - Tarrant County.

6. My friend has my property and won’t give it back.

Retrieving or dividing property is a civil matter and you should consult your attorney.

7. My case hasn’t been solved and it doesn’t seem to be going anywhere.

In most cases, after the initial Police Report, if there was no arrest, your case passes to the hands of a Detective for investigation. You may or may not hear from the Detective depending on how the investigation proceeds. The case may be filed at the County level. The District Attorney’s Office in that County then decides on how the case will be handled. And if it will proceed through the Criminal Justice system.

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1. I called for an ambulance and a fire engine came with it. Why does a fire truck go on medical calls with the ambulance?

A fire engine is automatically sent anytime an ambulance is requested. All fire department personnel are trained and certified paramedics. Some calls have multiple patients or may be severe enough to require the help of all the emergency personnel on scene. Additionally, our engine is equipped with advanced medical equipment and medications. Should the ambulance be delayed, the engine crew can begin advanced life support treatment while the patient is waiting to be transported.

2. How can I arrange a tour of the fire station?

The Fire Marshal schedules all tours of the facility. Call our offices and ask to speak with the Fire Marshal, 817-491-2301.

3. My child’s birthday is coming up soon. May we have a birthday party at the fire station?

Sorry, we do not allow the use of the fire station for children’s birthday parties. However, a tour can be scheduled for after the party.

4. May I get my blood pressure checked at the fire station?

Yes, we will be glad to check your blood pressure during reasonable times of the day.

5. May I burn brush or trash in the city limits?

In some instances the Fire Marshal may issue a burn permit for burning class “A” combustibles, but only if strict guidelines are met. Call the Fire Marshal’s office, 817-491-2301, for details on obtaining a burn permit.

6. Is it okay to park in a fire lane if I’m only out of my car for a minute?

No, you may not park in a fire lane, even if it’s only for a minute and you have your hazard flashers on. Doing so subjects you to being issued a citation and having to appear before the judge in municipal court. Fire lanes are for the exclusive use of fire, EMS, and police personnel.

7. What is the Citizen’s Fire Academy?

It is a program designed for people who have a genuine desire to learn about the daily life of firefighters, who want to increase fire and life safety awareness, and who wish to increase the awareness of the services provided by the Roanoke Fire Department. Graduates are encouraged to join the Citizens Fire Academy Alumni Association.

8. When and where are the Citizen’s Fire Academy classes conducted?

We host one Citizen’s Fire Academy class a year; usually starting in the late winter. Most classes are held at the fire station; however, two of the classes are held off site. One class is for automobile extrication; and yes, you do get to cut up a car with the Jaws of Life. The other class is for the live firefighting training. Please call the Fire Marshal’s office for more information.

9. Is it true that fire trucks and ambulances can change traffic lights from red to green?

Yes; our emergency vehicles are equipped with devices that can change a traffic light from red to green. This equipment is used during emergency calls to improve our response time to the scene.

10. Does the city have outdoor warning sirens?

Roanoke has six outdoor sirens placed strategically throughout the city.

11. Are the outdoor warning sirens tested to ensure they will work when needed?

Yes; the outdoor warning sirens are tested the first Wednesday of every month at 2:00 p.m. They will not be tested if there is low cloud overcast.

12. I am a diabetic and have to use syringes daily for medication administration. May I bring my used syringes to the fire station for disposal?

Sorry, but no.  We cannot accept used syringes or other medical waste at the fire station.

13. Where can I receive text and phone calls about inclement weather?

Sign up to receive text and phone calls from the Fire Department when there is inclement weather in the area. Click here to sign up!

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1. Where can I find a list of phone numbers for departments in the city?

You can find a list of phone numbers by clicking the link below.
Contact Us

2. Where can I find information about City of Roanoke events?

Information about upcoming events can be found on our city calendar.
City of Roanoke Calendar

3. Can I pay my utility bill online?

Utility bills can be paid online using the link below.
Pay Utility Bills Online

4. Where can I find employment information?

Employment information, as well as job openings, are found on the City of Roanoke careers page. You can access this page through the link below.
City of Roanoke Employment Information

5. Does the City of Roanoke have bulk trash pickup?

The City of Roanoke does offer bulk trash pickup on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays each month.

6. Where can I sign up to receive text and phone messages from the City?

Sign up for our text and phone alerts from the City of Roanoke. Click here to sign up!

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1. How do I contact a city/county department?

Visit the Staff Directory to find all department and staff contact information.

2. Where can I find the answers to my frequently asked questions?

Use the FAQs module to easily find answers to the questions you ask the most.

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1. What is a Redaction?

The process of editing a document in order to conceal or remove confidential information before disclosure or publication. For more information about what is eligible for redaction please visit our exemptions page.

2. Is the Roanoke Police Department able to run a Criminal History as part of an Open Records Request?

No. Criminal Histories are not considered public information. The Roanoke Police Department can provide a background check of an individual with the individual's consent via a Release of Authorized Information. This would only be for the jurisdiction of Roanoke, Texas. You are able to locate criminal histories through the Department of Public Safety.

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1. Why are we getting new meters?

The City of Roanoke has invested in new and improved water meters. These meters will assist with data collection and reduce costs associated with manual monthly meter reading. In addition, the updates provide an improved experience for you, the user!

2. When will I get my new meter?

New meters are now installed. 

3. Who is installing the meters?

The City of Roanoke  contracted US Bronco Services to perform the meter change installation. 

4. How long will I be without water while the new meter is installed?

Water will be off while the meter is being installed. The average meter installation should take approximately 10 minutes. 

5. How, and for how long, do I flush out my water lines?

Your water line will be flushed at the outside spigot by US Bronco Services once the new meter is installed. If the line cannot be flushed, a notice will be placed on the door of the home. The notice will inform the resident of the need to flush the sink faucet for several minutes or until the air in the line dissipates. 

6. Who do I contact if I have questions?

The City of Roanoke Utility Billing Department is available to answer your questions. You may email or call 817-491-2411 during regular business hours, Monday - Friday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM.