FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NEWS RELEASE
November 10, 2011
For More Information, contact:
Luther Strange
Joy Patterson (334) 242-7491
Alabama Attorney General
Suzanne Webb (334) 242-7351
Jeff Sommer (334) 353-2199
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AG CONVENES TASK FORCE TO PLAN, IMPLEMENT
AUTOMATED VICTIM NOTIFICATION SYSTEM
(MONTGOMERY)—Attorney General Luther Strange announced the creation of an
automated victim notification system and the formation of an Implementation Task Force
charged with overseeing the development and integration of the automated victim
notification system.
In the 2011 Regular Legislative Session, the Legislature passed Act 2011-681, which
amends Alabama law relating to the meetings and authority of the Board of Pardons and
Paroles and provides changes to the notification of victims about pardon and parole
hearings by providing for the creation and use of an automated notification system.
Attorney General Strange convened the task force for its first official meeting on
November 8 at the Alabama Criminal Justice Information Center in Montgomery. The
members met to lay the groundwork for the automated system and viewed a blueprint
demonstration of the notification system.
“Providing an automated system that lets victims register themselves and choose
how they want to be contacted is an exciting step that moves Alabama’s victim notification
process into the 21st century,” said Attorney General Strange. “Our goal is to provide an
efficient service that is comfortable for victims and addresses their needs.”
In addition to Attorney General Strange, task force members include the following:
Cynthia Dillard and Meridith Barnes of the Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles,
Darlene Hutchinson Biehl and Wanda Jones Miller as representatives of victims, Barry
Matson of the District Attorneys Association, Patty DeBortoli of the Attorney General’s
Office, Kim Martin of the Alabama Crime Victims Compensation Commission, Kim
Thomas of the Alabama Department of Corrections and Anna Tadlock of the Alabama
Criminal Justice Information Center.
The automated system will be available through the Attorney General’s website
www.ago.alabama.gov. The system will allow victims to self register online in order to be
notified electronically. Victims who have questions regarding the system or taskforce may
contact the Attorney General’s Office of Victims Assistance by calling toll-free 1-800-626-7676.
–30 —
501 Washington Avenue Montgomery, AL 36104 (334) 242-7300
www.ago.alabama.gov
