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OVA Services for Crime Victims
Crime victims often have questions about the types of releases for which an offender may be eligible. Or they may want to know what types of information is used by DOC and PBPP to make decisions about releasing offenders. OVA can help provide this type of information. We can also provide referrals to local and statewide agencies and organizations that may be able to provide support and assistance. OVA staff are available to provide information and assistance when victims and their family and friends prepare statements to be considered whenever DOC and PBPP are considering an inmate for different types of releases.
Notification and Victim Input
Notification refers to the right that crime victims, registered with OVA, have to receive notice when an offender is being reviewed for certain types of releases by PA DOC or PBPP. Notification is also provided when an offender escapes from state prisons or fails to report/return to certain community correction facilities.
Input is the right that crime victims, registered with OVA, have to provide information to PA DOC and PBPP decision makers about the ongoing impact of the crime when the offender in their case is being reviewed for certain types of release. This is also a way to let DOC and PBPP know about any concerns the crime victim may have for their own or their family’s safety and to request that certain conditions of release be put in place if the offender is approved for release.
The decision to provide input is a personal one. Victim input can inform the decision makers about the long term effect of the crime and also help in developing conditions of release but victim are not obligated to provide input. Some people find it a helpful experience while others may find it too difficult and still others may feel it is not going to make any difference.
There are several ways to provide input such as providing a written statement or arranging to provide oral comments. Registered crime victims receive more information on the available options when notified by OVA that DOC or PBPP is considering an offender for certain types of releases.
At this time, there is not an option for the registered crime victim to meet directly with the DOC or PBPP decision makers.
Victim input is confidential and not shared with the offender (61 Pa. C.S. 6140 and 18 P.S. 11.502(b)).
How can I be notified?
- Eligible crime victims must be registered with the Office of the Victim Advocate (OVA) for release-related reviews.
- To find out if you are eligible for registration, see our Register with OVA for Services page, which includes OVA contact information.
- If you decide to register for OVA services, it is very important that you keep your address and other contact information up to date.
How will I receive notification?
- You will receive a letter, an e-mail alert or, in certain circumstances, a telephone call.
What will I be notified about?
| Event Type |
DOC or PBPP? |
Registered victim receives notification? |
Registered victim has right to provide input? |
| Prerelease review for Community Corrections Center (CCC) |
DOC |
Yes |
Yes |
| Release to CCC |
DOC |
Yes |
Opportunity for input provided earlier. Registered victim will receive information on offender’s location |
| Prerelease review for Education Release review |
DOC |
Yes |
Yes |
| Release to Education Release |
DOC |
Yes |
Opportunity for input provided earlier. Registered victim will receive information on program duration and location. |
| Furlough review |
DOC |
Yes |
Yes |
| Furlough release |
DOC |
Yes |
Opportunity for input provided earlier. Registered victim will receive information on offender’s location |
| Transfer to Mental Health Facility |
DOC |
Yes |
No. Responsibility for victim notification transfers to DPW. |
| Transfer to Quehanna Boot Camp (QBC) |
DOC |
Yes |
Victim can provide statement if DOC requests that the sentencing court reconsider the offender’s sentence for QBC |
| State Intermediate Punishment (SIP) |
DOC |
Yes |
Victim can provide statement to court if DOC requests that the sentencing court reconsider the offender’s sentence for SIP |
| Prison Escape/Recapture |
DOC |
Yes |
No |
| Transfer to other authorities (county, other state) |
DOC |
Yes |
No |
| Inmate Death |
DOC |
Yes |
No |
| Automatic Parole upon Completion of QBC |
PBPP |
Yes |
No input option-however, registered victim can request parole conditions |
| Parole Review when offenders is eligible |
PBPP |
Yes |
Yes |
| PBPP Decision to approve/refuse parole |
PBPP |
Yes |
No |
| Parole Revocation |
PBPP |
Yes |
No |
| Parolee Death |
PBPP |
Yes |
No |
Capital Case Information and Services
OVA registers surviving family members of a deceased victim in cases where an execution sentence has been imposed. We recognize that there are various views and opinions surrounding capital punishment, sometimes even within the same family. Our role is to support family members in whatever level of involvement they decide is right for them.
OVA will keep registered victims and survivors up to date on the signing of warrants of execution and court granted stays of execution, provide emotional support, provide information regarding the execution process, and inform family members about their rights to be considered to witness the execution of the offender in their case.
An appeal is filed quite often in capital cases. An appeal is a legal process in which a case is brought in front of a higher court for review of the decision of the lower court. The process of an appeal is long and complex. Each capital case is different and each appeal is unique. The best way to stay on up to date on the status of a capital case is to remain in close contact with your county’s District Attorney’s Office. You can also follow the status of an appeal online through the Administrative Office of the Pennsylvania’s Court’s website at: http://ujsportal.pacourts.us/.
Pennsylvania Board of Pardons
The Board of Pardons (BOP) is a separate independent agency with which the Office of the Victim Advocate (OVA) has developed a strong working relationship. In Pennsylvania, the BOP determines whether clemency should be recommended to the Governor for his/her approval or denial. OVA works with the BOP to ensure identification of victims, assists victims who choose to provide input and provides support in that process.
The Role of the Board of Pardons
The five members of the BOP review criminal cases from summary offenses to death penalty cases. The BOP determines if there is sufficient reason to recommend clemency or a pardon. Thus, the BOP only considers whether the applicant should be granted a pardon or have his/her sentence reduced. The final decision in any pardon's case is made by the Governor.
In Pennsylvania, 71 P.S. 299 (d) mandates the BOP to provide notice to crime victims of the opportunity to offer prior comment on any application which has been granted a public hearing. The victim's comment may either be oral or written and must be considered by the BOP.
Providing Input
The BOP will forward any written comments they receive from a victim to OVA. The purpose for sharing the victim's comments is two-fold. First, OVA staff will review the comments with the Victim Advocate to determine if any further outreach to the victim or surviving family member is appropriate. Second, OVA staff will attempt to contact the victim to review the BOP process, assess the need for any additional outreach, make any appropriate referrals, and discuss any further assistance OVA may provide during the public hearing.
The Public Hearing
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