5.16Automated Crime Victim Notification Service-Michigan VINE Service (MI-VINE)

The Michigan Victim Information Notification Network (MI-VINE) is an “automated notification system [designed to] greatly enhance victim safety and convenience while providing added response capabilities for agencies implementing crime victims rights.” The Michigan Department of Health & Human Services, About Crime Victims Rights in Michigan. “Notifications produced by the system include the majority of crime victim rights act requirements, including court schedule information.” Id.

“The [MI-VINE] is a free, anonymous service that gives victims of crime information and notification about offender custody status and related court events. The MI VINE Service provides the following to crime victims and other concerned citizens over the telephone or via internet at www.VINELink.com[:]

•24 hour access to offender custody or case information[;]

•The ability to verify an offender’s custody status[;]

•Automatic notification to registered users of a change in offender custody or case status.” VINE, Michigan Statewide.

“For victims whose offenders are sentenced to serve a prison sentence with the [MDOC] - Victims must register with the [MDOC] by completing the department’s Notification Request Form. By providing a telephone number on this form, victims are automatically registered to receive automated telephone notification unless the victim opts out of the automated service by not providing a telephone number on the request for notification.” Michigan Statewide, supra. For additional information on notifications concerning prisoner’s sentenced with the MDOC, see the MDOC, Victim Services.

“For victims with offenders in a participating county jail in Michigan - Victims may register themselves at www.VINELink.com to receive custody status information through the telephone, email and/or via text message. Victims with court cases may register themselves to receive information on court events related to their case at www.VINELink.com. Court event information is available through telephone, email and/or text message.” Michigan Statewide, supra.