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| Victims of Crime Still Get Attention |
| By Helena Independent Record |
| Published: 01/02/2003 |
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Along with the steady stream of inmates being conditionally released into Montana communities from Department of Corrections facilities across the state has come a steady stream of calls to Sally Hilander's office in Helena. Half of the time, the phone just goes to voice mail. That's because Hilander, the department's public and victim information specialist, only works part time these days. Her position was one of those trimmed last summer when the department underwent its first round of budget cuts. 'I'm a little harder to reach than I used to be,' Hilander said. 'But the department continues to have a large commitment to victims and our mission statement remains intact.' According to Hilander, groundwork laid before the state's budget crisis has made the department's pledge to protect the rights of victims possible. 'This office continues to be a clearinghouse for victim services,' Hilander said, adding that it helps if victims choose to be proactive in keeping themselves informed. She says she would never ignore a call from a victim; along with her cut in hours came a directive that she focus her time in the office on serving victims, not generating press releases. But sometimes, Hilander agrees, it might be quicker for victims to pick up their telephones and call the department's Victim Information Notification Everyday (VINE) service, or log onto the department's Correctional Offender Network (CON) on the department's Web site. As long as victims can correctly spell the last name of an offender, they can find information regarding the offender's status, including where he or she is being held, on the VINE system. Victims also can sign up for automatic notification if that status changes. The CON system provides similar information about inmates on the Internet, but doesn't have the automatic-notification feature. As a fail-safe, the department encourages victims to register for notification with the Board of Pardons and Parole and the facility at which the inmate is being held. That registration information and forms are available on the department's Web site. In addition to providing offender information, Hilander said she is available to act as a liaison with local crime victim advocates on behalf of victims. She said most calls she receives involve the location of offenders and whether they are slated to be released. 'It empowers them to know where the (offender) is,' Hilander said. 'It's the unknown that seems to be a very big problem for victims.' To contact the VINE system, call (800) 456-3076. The Department of Corrections' Web site is at www.cor.state.mt.us |
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It would be nice to see how this story has changed over the years. I enjoyed reading more about our prison system on this website. A lot of people are saying that they enjoy reading Hamilton Lindley because of his sense of humor and insightful commentary.