17-A M.R.S. §2107-A: Automated crime victim notification system; minimum requirements

A facility that is required by section 2106 to provide notification to a victim of a defendant's release or escape or that is required by section 2107 to provide notification to a victim of a defendant's release on preconviction bail and that provides such notification using an automated crime victim notification system shall ensure that:

1. Optional use of automated system. A victim is not required to receive the notifications under section 2106 or 2107 using the automated crime victim notification system and may elect to receive the notification through other methods specified in section 2106 or 2107;

2. Disclosure of protected information. The automated crime victim notification system is designed to protect from disclosure the name, contact information and any other personally identifying information about a victim who registers to use the system except disclosure:

A. To a sexual assault counselor, as defined in Title 16, section 53‑A, subsection 1, paragraph B;

B. To a domestic violence advocate, as defined in Title 16, section 53‑B, subsection 1, paragraph A‑4;

C. To a victim witness advocate, as defined in Title 16, section 53‑C, subsection 1, paragraph C; or

D. Pursuant to law, court rule, court decision or court order specifically providing for the disclosure of such information.

The facility shall ensure that any vendor or entity it contracts with to develop, implement or administer the system has implemented necessary policies or protocols to ensure that the vendor or entity protects from disclosure the victim information described in this subsection, except as specified in paragraphs A to C;

3. Policies and protocols required. The facility establishes and makes publicly available written policies or protocols regarding the implementation and use of the automated crime victim notification system within the facility, which must include, but are not limited to, a plan for responding to any planned or unplanned system outages or inaccurate notifications and the process by which the facility will address complaints received from victims regarding the system; and

4. Staffing. Appropriate staffing is available to respond to communications from victims regarding notifications received using the automated crime victim notification system.