Arkansas Implements Enhanced Victim Notification Service

Little Rock, AR, Oct. 29, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In late September, the Arkansas Crime Information Center (ACIC) proudly launched a greatly enhanced version of Victim Information and Notification Everyday (VINE). A free service provided by Appriss Safety, VINE is the nation’s leading victim notification network. VINE provides crime victims and concerned citizens access to timely and reliable offender custody information through a toll-free telephone number, website or mobile application. Users may also register to receive automated notifications relating to changes in custody status via telephone, email, or text message.

VINE has been serving victims since 1994, and has continued to evolve through advancements in technology. The enhanced VINE service offers users innovative functionality and expanded access to victim services. A key, new feature is the VINE Service Provider Directory, which allows users to seek assistance and connect directly with both local and national victim service providers. To date, over 53 Arkansas service providers have joined the VINE Service Provider Directory.

Arkansas became the ninth state in the country to implement the enhanced VINE service since its roll-out in May 2017.

“This enhancement of access to relevant offender information holds the potential to reduce victims’ anxiety and is a reassurance that law enforcement agencies are working to keep them informed and safe,” said Governor Asa Hutchinson. “I applaud Director Cazort and his team for their diligent work on this project.”

“The Arkansas Crime Information Center is excited about the re-envisioning of VINE and the state’s first Victim Service Provider Directory. These enhancements allow victims to manage their registrations more efficiently, find services to assist them, and continue to receive potentially life-saving information,” ACIC Director Brad Cazort remarked. 

Josh Bruner, Appriss Safety President added, “Appriss is so proud to partner with the Arkansas Crime Information Center to introduce this new suite of VINE features to victims throughout the state. We are thrilled that the people of Arkansas are now able to benefit from a more streamlined user experience, and that we are able increase accessibility to victim-centered services that will help guide them on their road to healing, peace, and recovery.”

2017 Arkansas VINE Figures:

• 415,830 Arkansans registered to use VINE’s services.
• 935,580 notifications were provided to Arkansas VINE users through outbound calls, emails, text messages, letters and TTY, a device used to communicate with hearing or speech impaired individuals.
• 3,469,984 offender searches were conducted using the VINE website and mobile applications.

To access the enhanced Arkansas VINE service, visit www.vinelink.com.

To download the free VINELink mobile app, visit https://apprisssafety.com/solutions/vine/vinemobile/.