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Victim/Witness Notification Program


Victim/Witness Notification Program

The Victim/Witness Notification Program provides registered victims, witnesses, and advocates information and notification on offenders and parolees throughout the parole process.  Both the BOP and DOC provide information to those registered.  Once registered for notifications, a person will receive sentencing, movement, and hearing notifications. (See below for all of the notifications provided.)  For victims wanting to be active in the parole process and provide input for the Board's review, they need to be registered with the program.

The Board notifies registered victims of its actions and of the offender’s status, provides them with the opportunity for input into its decision before they are made, provides education about the parole process, enforces payment of restitution, and makes referrals to other victim services.
 


Notification Provided

The Board of Parole as well as the Department of Corrections and the Attorney General’s Office provide the following information as per the Victim/Witness Notification Program:

BOP Notifications

  • Parole and Review Hearings
  • Waiver of Parole Hearing
  • Notice and Opportunity to Provide Input to Parole Hearings
  • Parole Hearing Results (grants and conditions)
  • Modifications to Parole Grants
  • Recommendation for Commutation (time cuts) to the Governor
  • Advance Notice of Release to Parole
  • Pending Revocations, Return to Custody, Hearing Dates, and Revocation Dates
  • Absconsion and Apprehension
  • Rescission of Parole (withdrawal of parole prior to release)
  • Restitution Matters
  • Discharge from Parole

DOC Notifications

  • Commencement of Sentence and Location
  • Anticipated Release Date
  • Work Release
  • Escape/Recapture
  • Reductions or Extensions of Sentence
  • Change in Location
  • Furloughs
  • Notice and Opportunity to Provide Input to Offender’s Acceptance to a Community Corrections Program

Attorney General's Office

  • Application for Pardon
  • Appeal of Offender’s Case


How to Register

Any person victimized by an offender who has been sentenced to incarceration in the Wyoming Department of Corrections is eligible to receive information and notification from the Board of Parole regarding the offender’s parole status as per the Wyoming Crime Victim Bill of Rights. Key witnesses and advocates may also register for notifications.

Victims must complete a notification request form in order to receive offender information. As stated below, the form needs to be completed, notarized by the County Attorney’s Office where the crime occurred, and sent to DOC for input into the system. 
  1. Obtain a Victim Bill of Rights Notification Request Form.
    1. Available online – click on link to open
    2. Available at the prosecutor’s office in the county the crime was committed.  Click here for a list of Victim/Witness Coordinators.   
  2. Complete the form. Any questions can be directed to the victim assistants in the prosecutor’s offices or the BOP Victim Services Coordinator or the WDOC Victim Program Supervisor.
  3. Send completed and signed forms to the prosecutor’s offices or to:

    Wyoming Department of Corrections
    ATTN: Victim Notification Program
    1934 Wyott Drive, Suite 100
    Cheyenne, WY 82002

  4. Keys things to remember:
    1. All information provided will be kept confidential.
    2. The offender will not know if a victim becomes certified unless the victim informs the offender.
Victim Input


What is a victim impact statement?

A victim impact statement (VIS) is one of the most effective means to communicate the “voice of the victim” within the parole process. It is a victim’s description of how the crime affected their life and the lives of their loved ones. The VIS provides the Board vital information delivered orally, in writing, or recorded.

What is the purpose of a victim impact statement?

Victim impact statements provide an opportunity for panel members to understand how the crime has affected you, your family, and those close to you.  Many victims have found it helpful to voice how their lives have been impacted by the crime committed against them physically, financially, emotionally, and even spiritually.  Victim impact statements gives the victim(s) an opportunity to provide additional information to the Board in order for the panel members to make a more informed decision in paroling matters.  Additional goals of VIS are:
  • Document crucial information about the crime that may not be evident from other materials reviewed, and that can serve to hold offenders accountable for the actual crimes committed.
  • Provide a format for victims to present information and participate in the paroling process.

What information should I include in my statement? 

The Board realizes that it may be difficult to describe how this crime has impacted you.  They appreciate you taking the time to share your voice.  As this can be a difficult process, the Board has the following tips that might help you in this process.  It is recommended that you write your impact statement down to assist you with your thoughts and feelings.

It may be helpful to review a copy of your original VIS provided at the time of sentencing to determine if your feelings and concerns have changed.  You may include information about the crime itself or any pertinent information around the crime, if you are able to do so, and feel it is pertinent information for the panel members to be aware of.

If you would like to share the emotional and mental impact you may consider:
  • How life has changed for you and those close to you.
  • How your ability to relate to others has changed.
  • Any counseling or other support you have obtained.
If you or your family members were injured you may wish to describe:
  • The specific injuries you or members of your family have suffered.
  • How long your injuries lasted or how long you expect them to last.
  • Any medical treatment you have received or expect to receive in the future.
Be sure to review any concerns you have about a potential release of the offender.
  • What specifically are you asking of the Board? 
  • Are you wanting the Board to deny or grant the offender parole at this time? Why?
  • Are there any special conditions you would like the Board to consider? (No contact condition, repayment of ordered restitution, suggest specific programming)
Additional tips to consider:
  • Focus on the victim. This is time for the victim’s voice and feelings to be heard. 
  • Consider including a photograph as part of your statement.
  • Shorter and simpler is always more powerful. Be brief and focus on the important points you want the Board to take away. 
  • Make sure your letter is legible.

How can I provide victim input?

Registered victims can submit their input and statements at every stage of the parole process. A hearing notification is typically sent 30-45 days in advance of the inmate’s parole hearing, in which the registered victim is given the opportunity to provide input and have their voice heard. Registered victims have the following options for providing input:
  • Appearance in Person
  • Phone Conference
  • Video Conference
  • Written Statement (email included)
  • DVD/Video/Audio Recording

What can I expect if I appear before the Board in person?

Victims are heard prior to inmate hearings at a separate location which is done for security and confidentiality of victims. Offenders are not present, nor are they informed of victim participation.

Victims may bring support persons, a victim advocate, and/or support materials with them. The latter is suggested to be sent prior to the hearing so the Board has the opportunity to review the materials.

The only other individuals in the room are the three Parole Board members.  This three member panel will be the same three members who will meet with the offender that same week.  

The Board members realize that it is not easy for victims to speak about the crime and its impact, and they are appreciative of the victims’ participation. They try to make the victim appearance as easy as possible knowing it is a difficult situation. The Board is there to hear the victim’s voice and to have a greater understanding of the crime and of the victim’s concerns. In addition to providing a victim impact statement, the victim(s) may ask questions of the panel members. Appearances generally are not longer than 30 minutes.

When will I know the results of the parole hearing?

The Board panel will hear offenders in the institution after any scheduled victim appearances.  After an offender is heard, the Board will make an immediate decision.  Registered victims will be notified within 10 days if an offender was granted a parole.  Notifications are not made if an offender is denied parole.  However, all victims who spoke with the members will be called by the end of the week with the results.  

If an offender is denied parole, he/she will continue serving his/her sentence as stated and have another hearing the following year unless his/her sentence is completed.

If an offender is granted a parole, he/she will not be immediately released.  Prior to an offender's release, he/ she has to:
  • reach his/her parole eligibility date,
  • meet the criteria of the parole grant (complete programs), and
  • have his/her parole plan be investigated and accepted by the Wyoming Department of Corrections.
Registered victims will be notified prior to an offender's release.  That notice will include where the offender is being released as well as the earliest possible parole completion date.

If you need additional assistance or advice 
in writing or preparing your statement for the Board, 
please contact our Victim Services Coordinator at 307-777-5390.

Process of Input

  • Get registered
  • Receive hearing notice
  • Send in written statement and/or set up appearance
  • Notice of results provided

Victim Services Coordinator: 
Andrea Valdez

Phone: (307)-777-5390