By Lauren Harksen Article courtesy of WBRC
Published: Mar. 26, 2024 at 10:54 PM CDT|Updated: Mar. 26, 2024 at 11:03 PM CDT
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) – A brand new website is now up and running to expand access and services to crime victims in our state. It keeps people “in the know” on what’s happening with Alabama inmates.
The Alabama Legislature passed a bill that created the Victim Notification Implementation Task Force back in 2011. Three years later, in 2014, they launched the Victim Notification System. District Attorney Danny Carr says the latest update “modernizes” the system.
“This is long overdue,” he says. “This is a system that is a game-changer. This is one that brings us into the modern era where now just with the touch of a keypad, you can know where an individual who changed your life, not for the better, you can keep up with those individuals.”
The victim notification system can provide important information on upcoming parole and pardon hearings, an inmate’s participation in work release, furlough, leave, or supervised release.
Carr wants to make sure victims know they aren’t forgotten.
“Victims didn’t ask to be there,” he says. “Victims, for whatever reason, was chosen by an individual who may have done such a — preformed such a heinous act on them or killed someone in their family. They’re just a part of this system as defendants are. This also hopefully will put victims’ minds at ease to know that they’re being notified about an inmate.”
It’s important to note that victims or interested parties are not automatically enrolled in the new system. You have to register at https://victims.alabama.gov/.
As of last Wednesday, 2,000 users created accounts. It’s a way for people to feel less anxious and more empowered.
“You’re not alone,” says Carr. “We know that those instances change lives and not for the better. But there is a system in place that you will be notified… and we’re urging people that you have a right to go to the parole board. You have a right to go down there and tell the parole board why this individual should not be released. You have that right and you have that opportunity.”
A representative of the Alabama Crime Victims Compensation Commission says as technology continues to evolve, their task force will keep the notification system up to date and user friendly.
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