By Alan Sorensen
Today, the Montana Department of Corrections is among numerous prison systems nationwide that endeavor to keep victims apprised of the whereabouts of the criminals who victimized them.
Communities also are kept apprised of the whereabouts of sex offenders who are considered high risk for reoffending.
There is a victims hotline at 1-888-223-6332, a toll-free VINE (victims information network) line at 1-800-456-3076, and a victims information site on the state Web site at http://www.state.mt.us/cor. The site also can be reached by clicking on the government button of the State of Montanas site at www.mt.gov.
Public and victim information specialist for the Department of Corrections is Mike Cronin. His phone number is (406) 444-7461 and his e-mail address is mcronin@mt.gov.
Each of the states six institutional programs also has its own victims information officer and the state created a Crime Victims Advisory Council recently. Among its goals is to monitor victims interests.
The victims information officers at each facility or program and their phone numbers are:
Linda Moodry, Montana State Prison in Deer Lodge, (406) 846-1320, ext. 2201.
Steve Griffin, Montana Womens Prison in Billings, (406) 247-5115.
Mary Fay, Community Corrections program headquartered in Helena, (406) 444-9529.
Dan Burden, Treasure State Correctional Training Center (Boot Camp) in Deer Lodge, (406) 846-1320, ext. 2100.
Joan Kelly, Riverside Youth Correctional Facility in Boulder, (406) 225-4500.
Cass Cole, Pine Hills Youth Correctional Facility in Miles City, (406) 232-1377, ext. 2202.
