Making a Statement to the Board

Making a statement (or giving input) to the Indeterminate Sentence Review Board (ISRB or Board) might be an overwhelming or even traumatic experience. We have found that many victims and survivors who speak about the impact the crime has had on them actually feel better about the process. The decision to make your feelings known is a personal one. The ISRB Victim Liaison can help you decide what is best for you.

If you want to communicate with the Board, the Board will accept statements in the following ways:

  • In person meetings.
  • Written statements.
  • Meetings by telephone or conference call.
  • Recorded statements-audio tape, videotapes, CD's or other electronic means.
  • Video conference.

The Board needs to receive your statement at least 14 days before the offender’s hearing.

In Person Meetings

The Board will meet with victims, survivors and concerned citizens during regularly scheduled Board meetings. The Board meets on the second Monday of each month. The Board also meets in the afternoon of the 4th Wednesday of each month. Victims must make an appointment in advance with the Victim Liaison to meet with the Board.

Meetings with the Board are usually 10 to 20 minutes long. If a number of family members, survivors, or concerned citizens want to make a statement, the Board will ask one or two representatives to speak for the group.

If you choose to meet with the Board, the meeting will take place at the ISRB office located in Lacey, WA. The offender will not be present. However, the law requires the ISRB to give the offender a written summary of your comments. Please see the Victim Confidentiality page for more information.

It is normal to be nervous or emotional if you meet with the Board. The ISRB Victim Liaison is here to help you prepare for the meeting.

Written Statements

You can also send a written statement to the Board. Written statements stay in the ISRB’s file. Current and future Board members will be able to read and re-read your written statement each time the offender is scheduled for a release hearing.

If you need help writing your statement, the ISRB Victim Liaison is available to assist you. We also have a Statement to the Board template (WORD) you can use if you like.

Telephonic Statements

Some victims choose to speak to the Board over the phone. The Victim Liaison will schedule your telephonic meeting with the Board. The Board schedules conference calls during their regularly scheduled monthly meeting. On the scheduled day and time, the Victim Liaison will call you. ISRB Board members will use a speakerphone so all can hear you at the same time.

We encourage you to write out your thoughts and concerns before your phone call with the Board.

Recorded Statements

You can also send a recorded statement to the Board. You may send audio or video taped statements. The recordings will also become a permanent part of the Board file. The law requires the ISRB to provide the offender with a written summary of these statements. Please see the Victim Confidentiality page for more information.

Video Conferences

The ISRB has limited ability to do video conferences with victims. Please check with the Victim Liaison well in advance to see if video conference connections can be made with your site.

Statement Content

Statements may include the following information, but is not limited to any of them:

  • Information regarding the impact of the crime upon the victim, survivor or family.
  • The physical, emotional, psychological, financial, employment, relational and social impacts of the crime, as well as long term prognosis of victims and survivors.
  • Opinions regarding the release decision.
  • Requests that certain conditions be placed upon an offender when released onto community supervision.
  • In life photographs or videotapes of deceased victims.
  • Descriptions of the actual offense, history of the relationship between the victim and offender, and other information concerning the offender’s personality that will assist the Board to make an informed decision.

Accommodations

When requested, the Victim Liaison makes reasonable accommodations to make it possible for victims to give their input to the Board. These accommodations can include, but are not limited to:

  • Interpreter services (pursuant to RCW 2.42 and 2.43)
  • TTY or other voice or hearing assistance devices.
  • Age appropriate assistance for child victims or survivors.
  • The presence of supportive persons or victim advocates.
  • Board member travel to a location of mutual agreement.

Contact Information:
ISRB Victim Liaison
(360) 493-9276