The Office of Victim Services works to provide timely and accurate information, as well as advocacy and referral services, to crime victims, victims’ family members and crime witnesses. The office coordinates notification services and victim accessibility to departmental proceedings in accordance with state statute.
Victim Notification
Crime victims are entitled to, and may request notification of, the offender’s custody status. RSMo. 595.209 ensures that the victim receives notification and is invited to participate in specific matters pertaining to that offender in the custody of the Missouri Department of Corrections.
To be notified of parole hearings, hearing results, release to the community, escape or death, complete a
and submit it to the Office of Victim Services.
Note: If you received an error message when you opened the PDF file, right-click the link (on a Mac control+click) and "save link as..." to your desktop. Then open the file in your PDF reader directly.
Definition of a Victim
Per RSMo. 595.209: A victim is “a natural person who suffers direct or threatened physical, emotional or financial harm, as the result of the commission or attempted commission of a crime. The term victim also includes the family members of a minor, incompetent or homicide victim.” Per RSMo. 595.209: A family member is, “a spouse, child, sibling, parent, grandparent or legal guardian of a victim.”
Victim Rights
During the parole hearing process, a victim has certain rights. If you are a victim:
- You may attend the hearing and present information regarding parole consideration.
- At the hearing, you may give a statement to the hearing panel in the presence of the offender or without the offender present.
- If you choose not to have the offender present during your statement, you may leave without seeing the offender, or stay and listen to the offender’s portion of the hearing.
- You may request a partition between you and the offender.
- You may have a personal meeting with a Board Member at the Division of Probation and Parole’s Central Office in Jefferson City.
- You may provide a written or recorded statement to the Board rather than attend the hearing.
Attending a Parole Hearing
Please contact the Office of Victim Services if you want to attend a parole hearing. Parole hearings can occur in two different venues: at the institution or via videoconference at Probation and Parole Central Office in Jefferson City, Missouri. If you choose to attend a hearing, contact the staff at the Office of Victim Services to arrange your attendance. You will have to travel to the institution or Probation and Parole Central Office at your own expense.
Entering a Facility
Security measures limit what you may bring into an institution. Please present a photo ID (e.g. driver’s license). You will enter a DOC facility and may be subject to a security search by staff. If you require special accommodations, please let us know in advance. When you attend a hearing, you will be met by DOC staff who will explain the hearing procedure and answer your questions.
The information you provide to the Board of Probation and Parole is important and will help determine whether an offender will be released on parole, when the release will occur, and the type of supervision required upon release. You may request that special conditions be placed on the offender’s release orders, such as no contact with victims or family members of victims. Written or recorded statements may be sent by any interested party at any time the offender is incarcerated.
Contact
Office of Victim Services
Monday - Friday
8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
573-526-6516
victims@doc.mo.gov
When you contact the Office of Victim Services, please provide the following:
- Offender's name
- Offender's Department of Corrections number, if available
- A clear request