Mrs. Ann Dugger is the current Executive Director of the Justice Coalition, a victims’ advocacy organization in Jacksonville, Florida. The coalition educates the general public about criminal justice matters. She oversees the production of a monthly newspaper, The Victims’ Advocate, with a distribution of 35,000 throughout five Northeast Florida Counties. The newspaper features stories about victims, wanted fugitives, missing persons, unsolved murders, and rewards for information. Since its inception 10 years ago, nearly 1,700 fugitives listed in the Victims’ Advocate have been caught and 148 missing persons have been located. Mrs. Dugger provides training to businesses, civic clubs, and other organizations about the Justice Coalition’s Community Watch Program, which lends additional eyes and ears to law enforcement by affording citizens the opportunity to become volunteers by reporting suspicious activity before it becomes a crime. In addition, she works closely with the governor’s office in recognizing Missing Children’s Day in Tallahassee.
Recently, Mrs. Dugger assisted a local family who had been targeted by drug dealers. She acted as an advocate for the family and assisted them through the criminal trial where their testimony was needed by the state attorney’s office. In April 2008, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office honored Mrs. Dugger for her actions in support of this family. She has received the Community Medal of Honor from the Mayor’s Victim Assistance Advisory Council (VAAC). She served on the VAAC for three years, as well as the VAAC Executive Committee for three years. She works closely with local law enforcement agencies, the state attorney’s office, and the media, holding press conferences, posting awards, promoting justice for victims, and emphasizing safety throughout the community. At the state level, she addresses legislators and supports letter writing campaigns and telephone lobbying for victims’ rights and criminal justice issues. Mrs. Dugger developed and implemented the Justice Coalition Hearts and Hands Outreach program to provide assistance to victims. |
