The Indiana Department of Correction (DOC), partnership with the Indiana Sheriff’s Association, has launched a new automated system to alert Hoosiers living near a state correctional facility of public safety emergencies.

According to a statement released on Wednesday, the new ALERT Notification Service will keep residents informed of prison escapes as well as of any potential environmental hazards.

To be notified of an alert, residents must first register for the service. To register, call toll-free (866) 949-2537 and provide your telephone number—cell numbers are acceptable—and the facility’s zip code. In the event of an escape, all registrants will receive detailed information about the escapee, including a physical description and the time of the escape. The automated calls will also relay specific information on other emergencies which could impact nearby homes.

The zip code for the Westville Correctional Facility is 46391. The zip code for the Indiana State Prison in Michigan City is 46361,

“This continues our commitment to ensure the safety of citizens living near one of our adult and juvenile facilities,” said DOC Commissioner J. David Donahue. “We work very hard to keep our facilities safe for everyone. This new service makes it possible for us to alert citizens at a moment’s notice if problems arise.”

“The ALERT Notification Service will also benefit both the community and the correction facility,” Donahue added. “As residents receive offender descriptions, they can be the additional eyes and ears that can help us locate a missing inmate.”

The new service is funded by a federal grant from the Bureau of Justice Assistance.

The DOC houses 26,000 adults and juveniles in 28 facilities – minimum to maximum security, prison camps, juvenile facilities, and community re-entry centers. It employs more than 7,400. Visit www.in.gov/indcorrection

Posted 1/31/2008