UKIAH, Cal-Victims of crime in Mendocino County can feel more secure now that the VINE® program is fully operational. Mendocino County Sheriff James Tuso said "The VINE program (Victim Information and Notification Everyday) is designed to bridge the gap between victims of crime and the criminal justice system. "VINE, the nation's only automated service for victim notification, uses advanced technology to electronically link the Mendocino County Jail's booking system to the National Call Center in Louisville, KY.
When
an inmate has a change in status, the VINE Call Center immediately begins
to call all registered victims. Notification calls continue every half-hour
for 24-hours or until the victims are contacted. The system will leave
a message on an answering machine, but calls continue until the victim
enters their Personal Identification Number (PIN) to indicate that they
have been successfully notified of an inmate's release, transfer or escape.
Victims
call a toll free hotline, anytime day or night, to register for notification
or to check on an offender's status. The VINE Call Center also offers 24-hour
live operator support for callers who need personal assistance. This feature
assists callers with rotary telephones, and can provide referrals to designated
victim service agencies.
This early warning system is now in 32 states and serves more than 350 communities across the United States and Canada. VINE is the nation's first and only automated service for victim notification. Other communities offering VINE include New York City, San Francisco, Ohio, Kentucky, Arkansas, Atlanta, Miami, Indianapolis and Ontario, Canada.
Here's how VINE works:
Crime victims call the VINE hotline at 1-800-546-4711.
When calling the VINE hotline, victims will be given a series of prompts guiding them through the registration process. VINE will ask for a phone number and a four-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN).
Notification calls will go to the phone number registered by the victim. Victims may call back and register additional phone numbers if needed.
When notified by VINE, a victim is prompted to enter the four digit PIN code established during registration. Entering the PIN confirms a successful notification and stops any further calls. If VINE reaches an answering machine, it will leave a message but will continue calls to the registered victim.