The Victim Information and Notification Everyday (VINE®) System Comes to the First of Virginia’s Regional Jails
The Virginia Sheriffs’ Associations Joins Delegate Beverly Sherwood and the Virginia Center for Policing Innovation in Celebrating the Arrival of VINE at Northwestern Regional Jail

WINCHESTER – Mr. John Jones, the Executive Director of the Virginia Sheriffs’ Association, today announced the arrival of the Victim Information and Notification Everyday System (VINE®) in the first of Virginia’s Regional Jails.
            “We are very happy that this important crime victim notification system is now available at some of our regional jail facilities,” said Executive Director Jones.  “This system is an invaluable tool for any crime victim, law enforcement officer or concerned citizen.  Expanding it to these jails and prisons is an important step in helping to protect all citizens of the Commonwealth.”
            Northwestern Regional, Piedmont Regional and Western Tidewater Regional Jails can now offer the VINE® system to crime victims.  Individuals may call a toll-free number day or night to confirm an offender housed in these facilities in is jail, and can register to be notified when an offender is released, transferred or escapes.  Any change in the offender’s status will trigger a notification.  Individuals can choose to be informed over the telephone, through the internet or by e-mail.
            “I am thrilled that VINE® has come online at Northwestern Regional in my District,” said Delegate Beverly Sherwood.  “As an ardent supporter of this notification system, I am confident that this will reap positive benefits for crime victims, law enforcement and all Virginia citizens now, and in the years to come.”
            VINE® is currently available in more than 40 states, covering communities in 65% of the country.  Virginia is the 23rd state to go statewide with the system.  Over the next two and a half years, it will be implemented in every city, county, local and regional jail and prison in Virginia.  The implementation is a partnership between the Commonwealth, the Virginia Sheriffs’ Association (VSA) and the Virginia Center for Policing Innovation (VCPI). The VSA has contracted Appriss, Inc., the company that created VINE®, to bring the program to the Commonwealth.  Appriss currently offers this system to Virginia’s Department of Corrections. 

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