Exclusive: Inside the NYPD Liaison Unit that helps victims of traumatic crime

NEW YORK (PIX11) -- NYPD Police Commissioner Edward Caban oversees a special division called the "Liaison Unit."

This unit works with victims and their families after they experience traumatic crimes; this unit stays with the families to make sure they can navigate the next steps.

When the crying is over and the crime investigation begins, who helps the victims and their families?

Lt. Ana Arboleda is the supervisor; she told PIX11 News the unit is there to help everyone, from victims of an assault or a hate crime to those who may need mental health help after a life-altering attack. Even people who can't return home because their home was the crime scene.

"I would like the public to know they are not alone," Arboleda said.

What pulls at Arboleda's heart

"Anything happening to a child that really sticks with you," Arboleda said. 

The officers also visit victims in the hospital; for them, no task is too big or too small. They help with funeral arrangements and fill out paperwork for new identification, and that's not all. There is no special training, but there is one common trait all of these officers have; it's something Arboleda drills them on every day.

"I want everyone to be seen as if they were your mother, your father, your son. I want you to treat them just like that," Arboleda said.

The unit also reflects the city. They speak more than 20 different languages, and the Commanding Officer of the unit is the first Asian American in the position as well.