"Justice will only be achieved when those who are not injured by crime feel as indignant as those who are."
- King Solomon
The Mississippi Department of Corrections (MDOC) Division of Victim Services provides crime victims who register with the department notification prior to an inmate's release and provides other services to crime victims.
We are here to serve you and help with your transition from victim to survivor.
DIVISION OVERVIEW AND MISSION STATEMENT
OVERVIEW
The primary function of the DVS is to notify victims prior to an inmate's release. This office also provides referral services to victims with specific needs, such as counseling support groups, information about the Crime Victim Compensation Program, crisis intervention, and other services. The DVS was created to serve the public and to answer questions and concerns regarding victims’ rights. The phone number is (601) 359-5628, and answered during regular business hours, Monday through Friday. The toll-free number is 1-866-522-4087, and it is available 24/7.
To develop policies, procedures and victim service programs to include training on victim sensitivity and staff victimization. This office is devoted to assisting victims in the criminal justice process and developing and directing the implementation of a consistent victim notification program throughout the criminal justice process.
GOALS
- Goal A
- To ensure that victims are treated with respect and dignity by all MDOC personnel.
- Goal B
- To ensure victims are provided with accurate information in the most expedient manner possible.
- Goal C
- To ensure victims are aware of their rights in the criminal justice process regarding notification.
- Goal D
- To ensure that MDOC personnel are trained in victim sensitivity issues
- Goal E
- To collaborate with victim service providers and coalitions throughout Mississippi.
- Goal F
- To develop a staff victimization and crisis response program for the Mississippi Department of Corrections.
CRIME VICTIMS' RIGHTS
The Lexis Nexis and the Mississippi Constitution detail these rights of crime victims:
Since the passage of the Crime Victim’s Bill of Rights, crime victims are notified of their rights; however, the crime victim must invoke these rights and keep the agency updated on change of address and telephone numbers.
The DVS provides the victim with a registration form when requested by the victim. The victim must complete the registration form and send it to the DVS. Once registered, the DVS is required to provide the notifications. Crime victims are not automatically registered. Only those who register with the DVS shall receive the mandated notifications.
TOLL-FREE SERVICES LINE
The DVS offers a toll-free line for victims’ use to answer questions concerning status, eligibility, location of an inmate and all other information deemed public information. Victims are allowed to update addresses, request information concerning how to protest an inmate’s release and inquire about special conditions imposed upon parole. Any questions a victim asks concerning the criminal justice system, victim services staff will attempt to answer. The toll-free line is 1-866-522-4087.