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Victim Input Program

  1. What is the Victim Input Program?
  2. How do I let the Parole Board members know my views?
  3. What effect will my comments have on the parole decision?
  4. Will the offender know that I sent in my views?
  5. May I meet with the Parole Board?
  6. How can I be notified when an offender is being reviewed for parole and/or what decision the Board makes?
  7. Where else can I go for victim assistance?
  1. What is the Victim Input Program?
    2. The Victim Input Program provides the victim, his or her family or any other concerned citizen a means to inform the Parole Board of their views concerning an offender. It is also a means to be informed of an offender’s parole consideration or any parole decisions made about the case.

  2. How do I let the Parole Board members know my views?
    3. Victims have the option of writing a letter to the Parole Board, calling or scheduling a Board Appointment. To schedule an appointment, or give your views by phone, please call 804-674-3081. Appointments should be made during the calendar quarter prior to the offender's interview quarter.

    The address to send a letter:
    Virginia Parole Board
    6900 Atmore Drive
    Richmond, Virginia 23225

  3. What effect will my comments have on the parole decision?
    4. Your statement will be placed in the offender’s electronic file. The Parole Board impartially and thoroughly studies all pertinent factors relevant to the offender’s parole suitability, including any information you provide.

  4. Will the offender know that I sent in my views?
    5. Absolutely not. This information is kept confidential.

  5. May I meet with the Parole Board?
    6. Yes. Individuals desiring an appointment with a member of the Parole Board should contact the appointment secretary, either by telephone or letter. Such appointments should be made during the calendar quarter prior to the offender’s interview quarter. The Parole Board’s address and telephone number are provided on the Victim Input form.

  6. How can I be notified when an offender is being reviewed for parole and/or what decision the Board makes?
    7. leads to external site - VINE logo.

    VINE is a toll-free, 24-hour, anonymous, computer-based telephone service that provides victims of crime two important features, information and notification. Victims may call VINE from any touch-tone telephone, any time, to check on an inmate’s custody status. For inmate information, call 1-800-467-4943 and follow the prompts.
    Victims may register with VINE for an automated notification call when an inmate is released, transferred, escapes and to learn of an inmate’s parole status if the inmate is parole eligible. VINE registration may be completed by telephone, (an external site) on-line, or by downloading the Victim Notification Form.

    The completed Victim Notification Form must be returned to the Victim Services Unit either by mail or fax. Victims can register by telephone by calling 1-800-467-4943 and simply entering the telephone number, including area code, where you want to be reached. You will then be asked to enter a Personal Identification Number (PIN) for use during notification. The VINE service will automatically telephone you when one of the above events occur. If your are registered with VINE and your name, address, or telephone number changes, please call 1-800-467-4943 to ensure that you do not miss any important information.

    Victims may also read our VINE brochure to obtain more information about this service. Do not depend solely on the VINE service for your protection. If you feel that you may be at risk, take precautions as if the inmate has already been released.

  7. Where else can I go for victim assistance?
    8. Many of the State’s Commonwealth’s Attorneys have victim/witness coordinators on staff to assist victims. Contact your local Commonwealth’s Attorney office for the coordinator nearest you.

    The Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services is developing, coordinating and funding victim/witness programs throughout the state. For further information contact: Victim Services Section, Department of Criminal Justice Services, 202 North 9th Street, 10th Floor, Richmond, Virginia 23219 or call (804) 786-4000.

    Also, local support groups and counseling services are listed in the white pages of your telephone book under Community Service Numbers.

Victim Services Registration

In order to be notified by the Department of Corrections of changes in offender status, you must register by completing a Victim Notification Form. Contact the Victim Services Unit to obtain this form or print a form from this website. Once completed, return the form to the Victim Services Unit by mail or fax: