Easy Victim Registration for Notification

Both Stacy and I have been busy in hopes of making it easier for Victims to register for notification of the offenders movements, release, etc. Arkansas has a web based portal called VINELink (http://www.vinelink.com/) which allows victims to easily search for the offender and then easily register for notification. Last month we worked with Arkansas Department of Correction in establishing a link directly to VINELink website. After the offender is found and their current information is displayed a link for notification can be found above the picture of the offender. When a victim clicks on that link, the website changes to VINELink with the necessary information populated for registration. All the victim will need to do is to choose how they would like to receive notification, email or phone. This link has made an easy process even easier.

Since the Arkansas Department of Corrections was able to successfully add the link to their current information page, Stacy contacted Washington County Sheriff's Office to add a link to their Detainee Roster. It was successfully completed and added to the site earlier this month. This addition even made the new paper in the web edition of the Northwest Arkansas Times.

It is our hope that with the addition of these links to VINELink that victims will be informed and feel safer as they go through their day.

20th Anniversary of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month

October 2007 marks the 20th anniversary of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. This is an ideal time for our community to join together to address the devastating impact of domestic violence on individuals, families, neighborhoods, and our nation as a whole, and promote domestic violence prevention and greater public awareness about the rights and services available to victims.

One way to help stop the cycle of domestic violence is by keeping victims informed throughout the criminal justice process. Since 1998, Arkansas has provided a service to victims called VINE®, or Victim Information and Notification Everyday. VINE allows crime victims and other concerned citizens to call a toll-free number (1-800-510-0415) or log onto http://www.vinelink.com/ to access real-time custody status information about their offender. Victims can also register to receive immediate notification when an offender has a change in status, such as a release or transfer. All VINE services are free and confidential.

VINE receives updated custody information every 15 minutes, seven days a week, and 365 days a year, which means registered crime victims can count on being notified of an offender's release or change in custody status within 15 minutes of the time VINE receives the update. This vital information can help victims make important decisions and take measures to protect their safety and, in some cases, can make the difference between life and death.

There are countless victims of domestic violence who need to know that services are available to support them, and that they have rights under the law. VINE is a vital service that fulfills domestic violence victims' rights to information and notification, and that can empower them by keeping them informed and involved. If someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, encourage him or her to register with VINE by calling 1-800-510-0415, logging onto http://www.vinelink.com/ or contacting me, Stacy Nolan at 1-501-682-2222 or at snolan@acic.state.ar.us .

VINE "Victim Information & Notification Everyday"

In 1998, Arkansas was the first state in the nation to implement a statewide automated information and notification system that includes data from all county jails, some prosecuting attorneys, the Arkansas Department of Community Correction, and the Arkansas Department of Correction. The program is called Victim Information and Notification Everyday, or VINE. The Arkansas VINE system has since become a vital service to victims and victim coordinators throughout the state.

The Arkansas VINE program is a free automated program which allows Victims to check the location and status of offenders. A victim that is registered with VINE will receive notification if the assailant is released, escapes, any court events, parole hearing or is transferred. This system is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year. The Arkansas VINE Program empowers the victim to gain control over their lives, and to implement a safety plan should the need arise.

Arkansas Crime Information Center has hired Stacy and myself, Rick, to manage the VINE system. It is our hope that through this BLOG, we may be able to inform more victims about this free vital resource. Please feel free to contact us with your questions about Arkansas Vine.