Macomb County crime victims can now text to request rights

The Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office is the first in Michigan to implement technology allowing crime victims to send a text message to receive services from the Crime Victim Advocate Unit.  Crime victims are no longer required to complete physical paperwork or download forms.

Under Michigan law, crime victims have specific rights. Those rights have been requested after the Prosecutor’s Office sends a form via the U.S. mail to victims who had to fill it out and mail it back, or scan and upload it, which was a cumbersome process for many.  A modern solution was needed to make it easier for crime victims to request rights in a timely manner.

Using this new technology crime victims may now text “Victim Rights” or “Victim Advocate” or other requests to 586-250-4090.  They will receive an automatic reply text with a link to an online form to request crime victims rights, an offer to connect with a Crime Victim Advocate, and information on how to contact the Crime Victims Rights Unit on their own.

The Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office provides the following assistance to crime victims:

• Provides information and help in filing for Michigan Crime Victims Compensation.

• Makes referrals to other community agencies for additional assistance.

• Gives information on how the criminal justice system works, and case status.

• Attends court at the victim’s request.

• Assists in completing the Victim Impact Statement for sentencing purposes.

• Assists in providing information regarding restitution.

“We are embracing technology to make it easier for crime victims to request rights and receive restitution,” said Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido.

The Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office launched the new service with technology provided by Twilio at a cost of approximately 1 penny per text message.  As of September 30 this year, 2,041 crime victims have requested victim rights.