I have declared April 21-27 as Missouri's observance of the 2002 National Crime Victims' Rights Week.

In the aftermath of Sept. 11, this year's theme, "Bringing Honor to Victims," reflects the country's heightened awareness of the harsh and tragic effect of crime on its victims. It also underscores the critical importance of helping all victims of crime to rebuild their lives.

Observance of Crime Victims' Rights Week this week gives Missourians the opportunity to support victims of crime and to renew our obligation to continue that support.

It is also important to recognize those who are committed to serving crime victims. These people are the driving force defining Missouri's commitment to helping those who have been victimized.

Missouri has long recognized the need to address the rights of crime victims. Throughout the years, lawmakers have identified these rights and passed legislation to assist victims of crime. Such rights include being informed of parole or release hearings, changes in case status, or prompt notifications on projected dates for release.

One of my first priorities as governor was to ensure that Missouri continued to be proactive in the field of crime victims' rights. Through a cooperative effort between the Missouri Department of Public Safety, the Missouri Department of Corrections, and the Office of Information Technology, the state is expanding an electronic victims' notification system.

This system, known as the Victim Information and Notification Everyday Implementation Project, also known as VINE, enables crime victims and concerned citizens to access up-to-date offender custody status.

They will receive automatic notification when the call center receives a change in an offender's custody status. VINE is anonymous; offenders cannot find out who is registered. The Department of Corrections implemented the system for offenders under its supervision in April 2000 and the expanded service will now include offenders in county jails. Currently, 30,000 Missouri victims are registered.

It is my hope that by using cutting-edge technology, we may further help to serve those who have been victims of crimes. I pledge that Missouri will continue to take steps to empower crime victims through efforts such as the VINE Implementation Project.

Bob Holden is governor of Missouri.