Putting Victims First
Our mission is to provide information, timely notification, and support to victims of crime and other concerned individuals with respect, compassion and confidentiality.
How Do I Sign Up for Notification?
A victim of crime must be certified by the Department of Criminal Justice Information Services (DCJIS) to receive information regarding an offender. We will help you register, please contact us for assistance.
Who can register for notification?
- A victim of the offender's crime
- A witness to the crime
- A family member of a victim who is deceased, incompetent, or a minor
- The parent or guardian of a victim or witness who is a minor or incompetent
- Concerned for your safety
What is notification?
We will provide notification by phone and mail when an offender:
- Transfers to a minimum security or pre-release facility
- Returns to higher security from a minimum or pre-release facility
- Receives a final release date
- Receives an emergency escorted release
- Escapes
Frequently Asked Questions and Concerns
If I become certified, will the inmate know that I am certified or know my address and personal information?
No, certification information is confidential and isn't released to inmates at any time or under any circumstances.
What should I do if I am receiving unwanted contact from an inmate?
You should contact the Department of Correction's Victim Service Unit as soon as possible and we will assist you.
Why are inmate sentences reduced from what was announced by the court?
Legislation allows most inmates to earn a reduced sentence by participating in approved programming. Since sentence reduction is mandated under Massachusetts Law, the Department of Correction is responsible for recording and calculating such credits.
Is a certified petitioner notified of an inmate's upcoming parole hearing?
Yes, however notification is made directly by Parole, not the Department of Correction. Certified petitioners may also submit a victim impact statement to the Parole Board to express their opinion regarding the potential parole of an inmate.