When Victims Have a Right to Know: Automating Notification With VINE

• NCJ Number: 177028
• Author(s): J Trone
• Date Published: 1999
• Length: 26 pages
• Sponsoring Agency: US Dept of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women
• Sale Source: Vera Institute of Justice
• Publication Format: Document
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This report examines a commercial automated victim notification system.

Abstract

The report examines several jurisdictions' use of VINE, which stands for Victim Information and Notification Everyday. It includes the experiences and perspectives of criminal justice officials who plan and oversee VINE systems, victim advocates within and outside government and VINE company staff. No matter how data get to the VINE call center, which offenders and victims are included, and whether the system reaches beyond victims to involve other concerned citizens, all VINE systems provide automated notification. The type of information varies depending on the agencies involved and notification processes also differ. The report describes several processes and the consequences of their use. It also describes a typical VINE call center and architecture, how to prepare for using VINE, involving victims, other vendors, proprietary issues, and costs. Figure, notes