Police Unveil Comforting Space For Trauma Victims In Johnson City

Details of a new Soft Interview room were detailed on January 13, 2026, in Johnson City.

The announcement was made by the Johnson City Police Department along with the Broome County District Attorney’s Office, Crime Victims Assistance Center, and New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services.

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According to the JCPD, the newly constructed Soft Interview Room is a dedicated space that is designed to provide a safe, comfortable, and trauma-informed environment for individuals involved in sensitive investigations.

 The goal of this type of room is to reduce stress and anxiety for victims and witnesses, including survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and other traumatic incidents.

This room represents our commitment to treating victims with dignity, compassion, and respect. Creating an environment where individuals feel safe and supported can make a meaningful difference, both in the investigative process and in a victim’s path toward healing. - Johnson City Police Chief Brent Dodge

 The announcement revealed that the Soft Interview room is furnished in a non-institutional manner and features comfortable seating, calming colors, and a welcoming atmosphere, unlike a traditional interview room. Open communication while minimizing re-traumatization during the interview process is the goal.

The Soft Interview Room was funded through the New York State Statewide Targeted Reductions in Intimate Violence Domestic Violence Grant, allowing the department to design and equip the room with a victim-centered approach.

Thank you to the Johnson City Police Department and our community partners for making the new Soft Interview Room a reality. This welcoming, trauma-informed space reflects our shared commitment to caring for our neighbors and represents a meaningful step toward inclusive, community-centered policing. Our mission is clear—to ensure dignity, compassion, and respect for those we serve. I am grateful to everyone who contributed to making this important effort possible. - Johnson City Mayor Christina Charuk