CORTEZ, Colo.—Colorado sheriffs want to implement a new automated notification system to keep victims informed of the status of assailants.
“The Victims Rights Amendment that was passed in Colorado makes us responsible to notify the victim when there is a change in status (for the offender),” said Joe Pelle, Boulder County sheriff and president of the County Sheriffs group.
During a meeting here, the group’s board decided to seek a grant from the U.S. Justice Department to establish a statewide automated victim notification system.
Pelle said the system could be up and running by late this year in about half of Colorado’s counties, the Cortez Journal reported Monday.
Victims of serious crimes, including sexual assault, murder, child abuse or kidnapping, would learn where their attackers are held, projected release dates and if an escape occurs. The information would be made available via the Internet, e-mail or by telephone.
It is estimated the system would cost up to $500,000 annually. If a federal grant is not obtained, the sheriffs will ask the Legislature to fund it.
“Domestic violence or any kind of assault is such a big issue nationwide that this is a useful service,” said Dave Hart, Montezuma County undersheriff.
