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New system protects crime survivors

Posted at 9:51 PM, Jan 07, 2021
and last updated 2021-01-07 21:51:33-05

LANSING, Mich. — After the Address Confidentiality Program Act an online system for survivors of crime was established to keep their personal information secure was created according to Michigan’s Attorney General Dana Nessel.

The law states the Attorney General has two years to create/use the system after an appropriation is made by the Legislature. Reportedly the office is meeting with stakeholders to establish the online system.

“We are in the early planning stages of creating a system that will help protect the personal information of survivors, and I am excited for my department to be a part of this significant development,” Nessel said. “My office understands the importance of this new law and the critical protections it provides, and we intend to work swiftly so that survivors may gain some peace of mind under this program.”

The program signed into law by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in late December, will let victims of crimes and their children apply for identification numbers/substitute addresses with assigned post office boxes allowing personal information to stay confidential. Applicants will receive new state ID cards with additional protection form Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).

Though an estimated timeline for the release of this system is unavailable right now. Its expected to be awhile before there is access to it. For updates visit the Attorney General’s Crime Victim Rights webpage.