Victims Rights Aided by Technology

This posting raises concerns about the safety of the victims. There are all too

many cases of databases' being compromised or hacked into and

handing victims identification to offenders or their compatriots does

not seem like a wise move.

Like so many things that look great on paper, I can't help but

wonder if there will be negative unintended consequences

with this.

The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation has this press release:

In its effort to keep crime victims informed, the Office of Victim and Survivor Rights

with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR)

is asking crime victims to register for a new automated system that will

soon provide real-time information about the custody status of their offenders....

The new statewide automated Victim Information and Notification

Everyday (VINE) system will provide a 24-hour service and will give

registered victims an instant notice by phone or email about their

offender's whereabouts....

The automated system will also inform victims and next-of-kin of when

their offender is scheduled for a parole board hearing if they are

serving a life term....

California Penal Code and the addition of Marsy's Law requires CDCR

to notify witnesses, victims and next of kin if a violent offender is

released, escapes, dies, or is up for parole.