Sheriff Assist
New York State Sheriffs' InstituteWe are committed to helping crime victims by providing notification systems and resources.
Stay Informed
Victim Services
Order of protection notification
The 45-minute period after an Order of Protection is served is crucial for a victim. Our Order of Protection Notification System allows domestic violence victims to be notified by phone, text message, or e-mail when an Order is served, providing the information they need to take appropriate precautions for themselves and their loved ones. This free service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you are looking to obtain an order of protection you will need to contact an attorney or victim services advocate.
Inmate Release Notification
Crime victims often are haunted by thoughts of their offender. Knowing their custody status can provide peace of mind. Our Inmate Release Notification System monitors offenders in New York’s jails so victims can anonymously look up offenders and register to receive notification of change in custody status by phone, email, or text message. This free service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Resources For Crime Victims
If you are a victim of crime or abuse, our crime victim alerts are just one part of your safety plan. For help finding local resources available to you in your county, visit the NY Sheriffs’ Victim Service Provider Directory
What we do
About Us
Our mission is to support crime victims and their families by providing critical and timely information to help keep them safe. Sheriff Assist is a program provided by the New York State Sheriffs’ Institute and funded by the Office of Victim Services. New York State Sheriffs have been providing these critical notification systems since 1998. The Order of Protection Notification System and Inmate Release Notification System are free services offered to crime victims and their families and often used as part of their safety plans. Anyone of any gender, race or age can become a crime victim at any time. That’s why NYSSI works with victims’ advocacy groups, law enforcement agencies, and courts systems throughout the state to train and provide education on the systems so they can cooperatively help crime victims stay safe.