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News
releases from the Mary Byron Foundation
In response to Mary Byron's murder in 1993, Davis worked with a colleague to build a system that would let crime victims know whether their offenders are in jail, where they are held, and when they are released. In 1994, the pair unveiled the first VINE system in Jefferson County, Kentucky. Since then, Davis has guided Appriss Inc., the company that created and continues to offer VINE -- which is now available in more than 1,500 communities in 37 states, including 20 of the nation's largest metropolitan areas. The success of Appriss and VINE fueled Davis to continue working on behalf of crime victims, particularly victims of domestic violence. In 2000, he joined with John and Pat Byron to establish the Mary Byron Foundation in their daughter's honor. Appriss provides seed money, office space, and other resources to help the Mary Byron Foundation operate. In addition to serving on the board, Davis has been instrumental in its fund-raising efforts. With his oversight, Appriss organizes an annual golf tournament that has raised nearly $40,000 for the Mary Byron Foundation. Davis will donate the prize money from the Paul H. Chapman Award to the Mary Byron Foundation. "I'm so honored to have been recognized by the Foundation for the Improvement of Justice," Davis said. "It's gratifying to know that VINE is making a difference for crime victims, and I know this money will help the Mary Byron Foundation to support services for domestic violence victims throughout the country." The Foundation for the Improvement of Justice, located in Suwannee, Georgia, honors innovative justice programs that have proven effective and can serve as models for others. The annual Paul H. Chapman Awards program encourages improvement by recognizing and rewarding accomplishments in categories including simplification of the law, crime prevention, child protection, speeding the process, effecting restitution, alternative sentencing, reducing recidivism, lowering costs, and crime victims' rights, the category in which Davis was nominated. "Throughout the last decade, Mike's work with VINE has helped countless victims regain their sense of safety and control," said Marcia Roth, executive director of the Mary Byron Foundation. "His dedication to crime victims' rights is unmistakable in both his professional and volunteer endeavors. The Mary Byron Foundation is lucky to have him as a board member and a supporter."
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Mike
Davis, president of Appriss Inc. and member of the Mary
Byron Foundation Board of Directors, has received a prestigious
national award for his role in the creation of VINE® -- the
nation's first system of automated victim notification. He is the
recipient of a 2004 Paul H. Chapman Award from the Foundation for
the Improvement of Justice, which carries with it a $10,000 cash
prize