Victims can check offender’s custody status

(Manistique, MI) – Crime victims in Schoolcraft County can now be automatically notified about the custody status of their offender. Sheriff Grant Harris says his office is now offering the VINE (Victim Information and Notification Everyday) service to the county’s residents.
 
VINE is an automated victim notification service that alerts crime victims via phone, email or text, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, whenever an offender is released, transferred, appears in court, or escapes. Victims and other interested parties can register and check on the status of an offender anytime day or night at www.vinelink.com or by calling 1-800-770-7657. Live operator assistance is available 24/7.
 
“Protecting the citizens of Schoolcraft County is always our highest priority,” said Sheriff Harris. “VINE provides an added level of protection because it gives everyone access to timely and accurate information on offenders in our county, and throughout the state. Crime victims who register will be alerted anytime, day or night, when there is a change in their offender’s custody status. We’re delighted to make this important service available to the public.”
 
​The VINE service is funded by a grant from the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice. Since 2005, the Statewide Automated Victim Information and Notification (SAVIN) grant program administered by the BJA has nearly doubled the number of states providing automated victim notification.
 
The goal of the SAVIN program is to increase public safety and improve basic criminal justice decisions by ensuring that victims are given timely and accurate information that both enhances their ability to protect themselves, and ensures they are able to fully participate in the criminal justice process.