The ICAOS expressly recognizes and protects the rights of crime victims. Article I identifies, as a purpose of the Compact, the protection of victims’ rights and the assurance of timely notice and opportunity for input. Article III authorizes representation from victim advocacy organizations within the Commission’s governance structure. While the Compact statute articulates these principles broadly, the Commission’s rules establish specific procedural obligations.
Under Rule 3.108-1, victims are entitled to notice when a supervised individual’s reporting instructions are issued or the transfer is approved. The sending state must initiate victim notification procedures within one (1) business day after the receiving state issues reporting instructions or accepts the transfer, in accordance with applicable state law. Additionally, once an individual relocates, the receiving state shall respond to requests for information from the sending state within five (5) business days of receipt of the request.
Rule 3.108 further provides victims the opportunity to be heard and to express concerns regarding a proposed transfer or return. The obligation to notify victims of this right rests with the sending state’s designated victim notification authority. Although the ICAOS rules do not prescribe the internal mechanism by which states coordinate this notification, effective implementation requires that courts, paroling authorities, and supervising agencies communicate with the appropriate victim notification authority to ensure compliance. Courts should remain mindful of the Compact’s victim-related protections and the procedural requirements imposed by the Commission’s rules to ensure that victims receive the notice and opportunity for input contemplated by the Compact.