Las Cruces, N.M. -- Doņa Ana County is expanding its new victim information and notification service to keep crime victims informed on the custody and court status of their offender. District Attorney Susana Martinez and Dona Ana County Sheriff Todd Garrison today launched VINEŽ (Victim Information and Notification Everyday,) a free and anonymous service for victims and their families.
Victims can keep tabs on their offenders by calling a toll-free number, 1-866-DONA (1-866-314-3662), or by going on line at www.vinelink.com. They can also register their phone number for notification of a status change.
"We felt it was important that victims know when their offenders get out of jail, go to court, or have a court hearing re-scheduled," said Martinez. "We want VINE to be a constant source of information for victims and their families while making the criminal justice system less intrusive on their lives."
Martinez also unveiled a new public awareness campaign to get the word out about VINE. Brochures explaining the program will be made available to victims and their families. In addition, a new television public service announcement will be broadcast through local media. Each has been produced in both English and Spanish.
"We will be working over the next several months to ensure every victim and family member knows about VINE and how to use it," added Martinez. "It is our goal to make VINE a common practice among victims and witnesses."
VINE is currently being utilized in more than 1,500 communities in 40 states.
About Appriss Appriss provides innovative technology solutions that help governments serve and protect their citizens. In addition to VINE, Appriss has worked with a team led by AT&T Government Solutions Inc. to provide automated notification services to victims of Federal crimes through the U.S. Department of Justice. Other innovative products and services include JusticeXchange(TM), an Integrated Criminal Justice application, and AlertXpress(TM), a high-speed notification solution for government agencies.