FAQs • Calvert County, MD • CivicEngage

What if the inmate is released outside of regular business hours, for example midnight on a Sunday?: The VINE service is active 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including holidays. Any change in inmate custody will prompt the VINE service to call all registered victims regardless of the day or time.

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VINE Call Center

1. What is VINE?: VINE stands for Victim Information and Notification Every day. VINE's purpose is to assist crime victims and other concerned persons by providing continual access to inmate custody and case information via the telephone.

This 24-hour information hotline allows crime victims to verify the custody status of an inmate and automatically notifies registered users if the inmate has a change in custody or case status (court information if applicable).

2. When was VINE developed?: VINE was created in 1994 after the tragic death of Mary Byron in Louisville, KY. An ex-boyfriend murdered Mary when he was released from jail without her knowledge.

A notification call from police that was promised but not delivered, set the stage for the development of the nation's first totally automated service for keeping crime victims informed of the custody status. After a year of development, VINE was unveiled in Jefferson County (Louisville) Ky., on December 3, 1994.

3. How does VINE work?: VINE is a fully automated computer service that electronically links inmate custody information at the local jail or state prison to the VINE Call Center. When new inmate custody information is sent to the VINE Call Center, VINE compares the inmate information to a list of users who have registered with the service.

When it finds a match it immediately places calls to the appropriate registered individuals. VINE may also monitor court information by connecting to on-site case management systems at the prosecutor or district attorney's office.

4. Does the VINE Program monitor all inmates?: VINE only monitors inmates who are in the custody of participating agencies. There may be delays from the time of arrest before an inmate is officially recorded in the institution. If VINE cannot confirm that the inmate is in custody, callers should assume the inmate has been released. An inmate may be released on bail or released on his/her recognizance during arraignment. These individuals may not be considered in custody.

VINE may not monitor inmates being held at a police precinct or other police facilities.

5. Who can use the VINE Service?: In most cases VINE is an open service available to anyone in the community who would like custody information about an inmate or register to be notified of an inmate's release. Victims of crime who have previously provided information to the arresting agency may be automatically registered to participate in VINE. All others may participate by calling the toll-free VINE hotline in your area.

6. How will the citizens of our community learn about the VINE service?: Vine will provide a training workshop for law-enforcement agencies and victim-service providers agencies. Once all specified training is completed, a general introduction to the public and the media will take place. Victim-service providers, first responders and law-enforcement officers will have brochures, cards, and/or posters detailing the VINE service and explaining the registration process.

7. What should I tell victims about VINE?: Victims should know that VINE is a service that is available to assist them in determining the custody status of an inmate. All VINE telephone registrations are anonymous and free.

A VINE brochure will be available to victims with information on how to use the VINE service. Victims should also know that their family and friends can participate by calling the VINE hotline directly.

8. What if the inmate is released outside of regular business hours, for example midnight on a Sunday?: The VINE service is active 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including holidays. Any change in inmate custody will prompt the VINE service to call all registered victims regardless of the day or time.

9. What if the inmate is transferred out of the custody of a participating institution but is still incarcerated?: The VINE service will notify all registered persons if an inmate is transferred out of custody of a participating institution. If you need more information on the participating agencies in your area.

10. What if I need help?: For assistance in using the VINE program or to report a technical problem, call the VINE customer service line at 1-800-865-4314.