Frequently Asked Questions
Victim Notification and Participation
- How can I receive notification about an inmate in prison?
- What services will I receive by registering for notification?
- Can I be notified when an inmate is released from prison?
- How can I protest an inmate’s release and what do I say in my protest letter?
- Can I meet with the Board of Pardons and Paroles?
How can I receive notification about an inmate in prison?
Victims, their family members and concerned citizens may request written notification by contacting the Victim Services Division (VSD) through the online portal, calling our toll free number (800) 848-4284, writing to 8712 Shoal Creek Blvd., Suite 265, Austin, Texas, 78757-6899, or e-mailing victim.svc@tdcj.texas.gov. Notifications include information about an inmate’s parole eligibility, Board decisions, release to and return from bench warrant, discharge dates, along with many other inmate status changes. Any information you supply will remain confidential.
What services will I receive by registering for notification?
Victim Services Division (VSD) offers letter, e-mail, and text notifications regarding Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) inmates throughout the criminal justice process. We also offer an informational hotline answered by VSD staff Monday thru Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. CST at (800) 848-4284.
In addition, we offer e-mails, letters and text message notifications about changes to an inmate’s status. To register for any of these services, please visit our website. You may also call our toll free number (800) 848-4284, write to our mailing address of 8712 Shoal Creek Blvd, Suite 265, Austin, Texas, 78757-6899 or e-mail victim.svc@tdcj.texas.gov.
Can I be notified when an inmate is released from prison?
Yes, if registered with the Victim Services Division you will receive written notifications regarding an inmate’s upcoming release. To register for this service, please visit our website. You may also call our toll free number (800) 848-4284, write to our mailing address of 8712 Shoal Creek Blvd., Suite 265, Austin, Texas, 78757-6899 or e-mail victim.svc@tdcj.texas.gov.
How can I protest an inmate’s release and what do I say in my protest letter?
You may submit protest letters to the Victim Services Division at 8712 Shoal Creek Blvd., Suite 265, Austin, Texas 78757-6899, via fax to (512) 452-0825, or e-mail at victim.svc@tdcj.texas.gov. All protest information is confidential. Protest letters may explain how the offense has affected you or your family members, express any fears or concerns you may have about an inmate’s release and outline any special conditions you would like the Board to consider in the event the inmate is released to supervision.
Can I meet with the Board of Pardons and Paroles?
Victims, as defined in the Chapter 508, Section 508.117 (g) of the Texas Government Code, may request an in-person or phone interview with a voting member of the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles (BPP) when their inmate is being considered for parole review. The interview request must be registered through Victim Services Division. You may visit our website or contact our office at (800) 848-4284 or by e-mail at victim.svc@tdcj.texas.gov to request a board interview. For questions or concerns regarding victim/survivor interactions with the BPP, please contact the BPP Victim Liaison, Libby Hamilton at bpp-victim.liaison@tdcj.texas.gov or (512) 406-5833.
Additional statutes governing Parole Board interviews are included in Chapter 508, Section 508.153.