What is Texas VINE?
VINE stands for Victim Information and Notification Everyday. Texas VINE provides the following to crime victims and other concerned citizens over the telephone:
- The ability to verify an offender's custody status
- Automatic notification to registered users of a change in offender custody or case status.
Note: Texas VINE is currently being implemented in the state and not all counties are operational
How Does Texas VINE Work?
Texas
VINE electronically links a national VINE Communications Center to the
custody information housed in local jails. The process works like
this:
- Custody and court information is gathered by the VINE Communications Center in KY
- VINE compares the offender and case information to the list of registered users
- When
it finds a match, VINE immediately places a call to the registered user
notifying them of the change in custody or case status.
Texas
VINE can also provide court information if connected to the procecutor
or district attorney's on-site case management system.
How Do Users Register?
Most
users register by calling the Texas VINE toll-free telephone number
(1-877-894-8463). Requirements for registration are explained
during the call-in, and are very simple. Some knowledge specific
to the offender or case is usually required to call Texas VINE.
Some agencies may have special requirements regarding
registration. You may also visit
http://www.vinelink.com.
Does Texas VINE Moniter All Offenders?
Texas
VINE monitors the custody or case status of offenders housed in (or
handled by) participating county jails. Consider the following:
- There
may be delays from the time of arrest before an offender is
"officially" booked into the system. If Texas VINE cannot confirm
custody, callers should assume the offender is NOT in custody.
- Individuals released on bail or his/her recognizance may NOT be considered in custody.
- Texas VINE does NOT monitor offenders held at a municipal jail, police precinct or other police facilities.
Who Can Use the Texas 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
What If An Offender Is Released Outside of Regular Business Hours?
Texas
VINE service is active 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Notification calls from Texas VINE may come in the middle of the
night if a change is custody status occurs during that time.
For more information about Texas VINE, you may visit the Texas Office of the Attorney General's website at
http://www.oag.state.tx.us/AG_Publications/pdfs/vine_state.pdf
24-hour access to offender custody or case information
If you are a victim of family violence, you may be eligible
for reimbursement of certain out-of-pocket expenses
related to the crime. Please check Texas Office of the Attorney General Web site or call
for information and an application form.