SPRINGFIELD, IL (IRN) - A crime victim notification system now has the capability to text crime victims about the status of offenders.

The Automated Victim Notification system now offers text-message alerts for registered users. The system provides notices that allow registered users to track an offender’s custody and court case status, including alerts when an offender is released, transferred or appears in court.

The notices are confidential and are available in English and Spanish and by phone, e-mail and text–message.

The Illinois Attorney General’s Office was able to get a federal grant which allowed for the implementation of the new texting option.