8/14/2002

Governor Foster Announces first Automated Victim Notification System

Governor Mike Foster announced today final plans for the state’s first Automated Victim Notification System. When fully implemented in 2004, this system will provide instant access for crime victims in Louisiana to critical information relative to the offenders in their cases. This represents a major step forward in the state’s efforts to aid victims of crime and provide increased protection for the public.

The Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement and the Administration of Criminal Justice within the Office of the Governor submitted final plans today for the development of the Automated Victim Notification System to the Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget. Funding for the new system was proposed in the Governor’s Executive Budget for 2002-2003, and was approved by the legislature during the 2002 Regular session.

The original concept for the Automated Victim Notification System was developed by many victims advocacy groups across the notion, and was spearheaded in Louisiana by the New Orleans-based Victims and Citizens against Crime. This group, the largest victims’ rights organization in Louisiana, presented the idea to Representative Joseph Tommy, who authored legislation for the program in the 1999 regular Session. The legislature, realizing the importance victims’ rights, adopted the measure by a large margin but unfortunately, funding was not available at the time to see the program become a reality due to budget constraints. In the last regular session, the measure was again debated and, with the leadership of Governor Foster and a broad coalition consisting of legislators, Victims and Citizens against Crime, criminal justice officials, and other victims advocacy groups, funding for the system was included in the executive budget.

The Automated Victim Notification System represents a great step forward in making victims’ rights more accessible in Louisiana. When developed, the system will collect information on offenders and court cases from all sheriffs’ offices, district attorneys’ offices, and the Louisiana Department of Corrections. It will allow individual victims to be notified when particular offenders are release form jail or prison, when trial dates and key pre-trial proceedings occur, and when parole or pardon hearings are scheduled. This notification will allow victims of crime to exercise their right to be heard before key decisions are made, and informs them when offenders are back on the streets. The information will be made available in English, Spanish, French, and Vietnamese to better serve Louisiana’s diverse population. Victims will also be able to track information about their offender by telephone or via the Internet. With the development of this system Louisiana joins 15 other states and the federal government in providing this vital service to its citizens.

The Louisiana commission on Law Enforcement will begin work on the development of the system immediately. The system will cost $1.2 million initially for development and operational expenses. The commission will employ a contractor who will be hired through the public bid process. Once the selection process is concluded, the commission is proposing a very aggressive implementation schedule, with the first parishes receiving the service by March 2003, and statewide activation by October 2004. Once fully operational, the system is expected to cost about $1 million annually to maintain.