Parole board is creating an 800 number for victims

Iowa crime victims will soon be able to keep better track of criminals. The Iowa Board of Parole is creating a toll-free telephone number to allow crime victims to call in and get information on parole hearings. Board Executive Director Clarence Key says registered victims can call in and find out information on parole hearings. He says many victims want to be present for the hearings to just listen in, or to give a written or verbal statement.Key says despite a tight budget, the board will be able to handle the cost of the free calls. He says they don’t know yet when they’ll launch the number.He says they could have the number ready for use by the end of this month.