WHAT IS THE MICHIGAN CRIME VICTIM NOTIFICATION NETWORK?

It is a free, confidential, computer-based service that provides two important services to victims of crime - information and notification regarding crimes committed in Michigan.

INFORMATION

For defendant or inmate custody status and court information, call 1-800-770-7657 and follow the automated prompts. You may also press "0" anytime during the call to speak to a representative. Callers use basic information, such as prisoner number or name, to search the network database. The network will anonymously provide the caller with offender status, and information on upcoming court events/custody and hearings.

NOTIFICATION

In addition, crime victims may choose to register for automated telephone notification when an offender has a change in custody status throughout the criminal justice process. Registration is confidential. The prosecuting attorney and the Michigan Department of Corrections will help crime victims register for notification. The only information required from you is a telephone number which is kept secure and confidential.

MICHIGAN VICTIM ASSISTANCE SERVICES

A service provided by the:
Michigan Department of Community Health -
Crime Victim Services Commission
In partnership with:
Michigan Department of Corrections
Department of Attorney General
Prosecuting Attorneys Coordinating Council
Prosecuting Attorneys Association of Michigan
Michigan Sheriffs Association

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

How do I get information?
To locate an offender in a county jail or state prison or to receive court information, any person may call the network hotline directly from a touch-tone phone at 1-800-770-7657. Once connected, follow the automated prompts given by the network. The Michigan Crime Victim Notification Network is available in English and Spanish.

How do I register for notification?
To receive network notification of change in court schedules, crime victims may register with their prosecuting attorney. To receive network notification of a change in custody status for offenders housed in state prisons, crime victims may register with the Michigan Department of Corrections.
Anyone may register to receive network notification of change in custody status for offenders housed in county jails by calling 1-800-770-7657.
In all cases, registration is confidential.

What is a PIN?
If you choose to register for notification, you will receive a PIN (Personal Identification Number). The PIN is a four-digit number that you choose which will be kept secure and confidential. Select a number that is easy for you to remember and write
it down. After you get a notification call from the network, enter your PIN using the touch-tone numbers on your telephone. That will let the network system know that you have received the message.

What if I am not at home or my phone is busy when I receive notification?
The network is designed to allow every opportunity for you to be notified. If there is no answer or the line is busy, calls will continue for a minimum of 24 hours. The network will leave a message on an answering machine, but will continue to call for 24 hours or until the PIN is entered.

Can I register more than one telephone number with the network?
Yes, but each registration must be done separately and requires a PIN.

How does the Michigan Crime Victim Notification Network enhance my personal safety?
This program is designed to provide you with quick and easy access to information and to assist you in preparing for an offender's release. It is important for you to protect yourself once you are notified of an offende's release.

Who sponsors the Michigan Crime Victim Notification Network?
The Michigan Crime Victim Notification Network is a free service of the Michigan Department of Community Health, Crime Victim Services Commission, in partnership with the Michigan Department of Corrections, Department of Attorney General, Prosecuting Attorneys Coordinating Council, Prosecuting Attorneys Association of Michigan and the Michigan Sheriff's Association.

All costs are paid by assessments collected from convicted criminal defendants.