The Institute is staffed by a director, an administrative assistant, and a team of researchers. Opportunities for internships and practicum placements are offered for university and college students interested in criminal justice and social science research and services to crime victims. The Crime Victims' Institute receives guidance from an Advisory Council whose members are appointed by the Attorney General. The Council is comprised of the Attorney General and the following individuals, each of whom is appointed by category as designated by statute. Dallas County is now a part of a Pilot Study being conducted by the Crime Victims' Institute to determine the feasibility of a statewide automated victim information and notification system.
Victims can access information that is important to their safety or to their case, as needed.
An added feature allows victims to be notified automatically by telephone when any major changes occur in the offender's status or scheduled court events. Information can be provided in English or Spanish through a single toll-free number. The findings of the Pilot Study will be provided to the Texas Legislature with recommendations on whether a statewide automated victim notification system is feasible. The Pilot Study is funded through court fees and fines and through the Criminal Justice Planning Fund of the Governor's Criminal Justice Division. The information gathered will be used in efforts to establish the Texas Victim Assistance Academy which is being funded through a grant to the Office of the Attorney General from the U.S. Department of Justice Office for Victims of Crime.