VINE - Victim Information and Notification Everyday

What is VINE?

VINE stands for Victim Information and Notification Everyday. VINE provides the following to crime victims and other concerned citizens over the telephone:

  • 24-hour access to offender custody information.
  • The ability to verify an offender’s custody status.
  • Automatic notification to registered users of a change in offender custody status.

How VINE Works

VINE communicates with jail and prison booking systems in near real-time, transmitting updated information to the VINE Data Network.

  • Crime victims and the general public can access the information by calling 877-411-5588, by visiting VineLink any time of the day or night.
  • Victims can inquire whether an offender is held in jail as well as the facility’s location.
  • Users can register to be notified immediately of a change in the offender’s status, such as release, transfer, or escape.
  • When a notification is triggered, VINE automatically calls the number or numbers the victim has provided.
  • Calls continue for a designated period of time, or until the victim enters a four-digit PIN.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can use the VINE service?

  • Crime victims
  • Family members and friends of crime victims
  • Victim advocates and victim service providers
  • Law enforcement and criminal justice staff
  • Anyone concerned about the custody status of an offender

Does Vine Monitor All Offenders?

VINE monitors the custody or case status of offenders housed in (or handled by) participating criminal justice agencies. Consider the following:

  • There may be delays from the time of arrest before an offender is “officially” booked into the system. If VINE cannot confirm custody, callers should assume the offender is notin custody
  • Individuals released on bail on his/her recognizance may notbe considered in custody.
  • VINE may not monitor offenders held at a municipal jail, police precinct, or other police facilities.

What if an Offender Is Released Outside of Regular Business Hours?

The VINE service is active 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Notification calls from VINE may come in the middle of the night if a change in custody status occurs during that night

What if the Offender Is Transferred out of the Custody of a Participating Institution, but Is Still Incarcerated?

VINE will notify registered users of the transfer. The service can also inform the victim about how to obtain additional information on the offender.

How Do Users Register?

Most users register by calling the VINE toll-free telephone number 877-411-5588 or by visiting VineLink. Requirements for registration are explained during the call-in and the website, and are very simple. Some knowledge specific to the offender of case is usually required.

How to Navigate the Vinelink Website

  1. From the United States map shown on the VINELINK web page, click on the State of California.
  2. Next click on the link to “CA Statewide - All Other Counties” that is found on the left side of the web page.
  3. If you want to search for an offender or register for notification, click on the “Offenders” icon. If you are already registered and need to change your notification phone number or PIN, click on the “Update Registration” icon
  4. If you click on the “Offenders” icon you will have the option of searching for an inmate at “all facilities,” or if you know the facility where the individual is incarcerated you can click on the bubble next to “Choose Facility.” A drop down menu will appear listing the various counties that are currently utilizing VINE.
  5. Provide what information you can about the inmate and click the “Search” button
  6. If the individual is in custody, their name will be listed. By clicking on the individuals name you can register for notification when there is a change in the custody status of the individual.