Kentucky is the first state in
the nation to provide an automated, statewide victims' notification system. Through this
computerized system, critical information is available about inmates housed in local jails
and adult correctional facilities as well as certain juvenile offenders. This information
can be accessed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Through computer generated telephone
calls, all registered persons will be contacted at a predetermined telephone number when
an inmate is scheduled for release or if an inmate escapes from custody. In addition to
victims, law enforcement agencies and the general public will have access to housing
locations and release information through the 24 hour telephone service.
| What inmate
information is available through VINEtm? |
Status: If not in custody, the
date the inmate was released will be given.
Location: Current jail or
institutional address and telephone number will be given for inmates currently in custody.
Parole Eligibility: The next
hearing date will be given, where applicable.
Sentence Expiration: The
tentative release date will be given, where applicable.
| How does a
victim call VINEtm? |
A person requesting to be
notified should call the toll-free VINEtm number (1-800-511-1670) using
a touch-tone telephone, to register for notification. The system will begin to call a
victim for an established period of time or until the requesting party acknowledges the
receipt of the release information.
| How often
will the system call? |
Notification regarding the
release of an inmate from jail will be made every 30 minutes for a 24 hour period or until
notification is acknowledged by the registered person. Notification regarding the release
of an inmate from a state institution will be made to the extent possible, 72 hours before
the inmate's release. In cases of parole, changes in sentences due to immediate time
credits, court ordered discharges or escapes, the system will begin to call once the
inmate is released.
| How can I
make sure that I get the notification and not someone else? |
The VINEtm system
allows each person to register two telephone numbers. To ensure the person receives the
release information, the system requires the victim to leave a four digit, personal
identification number (PIN). A familiar number is recommended for this PIN because, in
some cases, it may be several years before the inmate is released. A number that is not
readily familiar may be forgotten. Use of the PIN is the only way to halt the notification
calls.
| If I don't
have a touch-tone phone, will I be notified? |
Registered victims with rotary
dial telephones are able to receive the notifications and be provided with a way to use
their PIN to confirm receipt of the notification.
| How can I
locate the correct inmate? |
A person may search for the
inmate by institutional number or inmate name. The system recognizes inmate numbers as a
six digit code. If you know the inmate's number you must enter a six digit number. If the
inmate number is less than six digits, zeroes must be entered preceding the number to make
it a six digit number. For example, an inmate number of 2222 must be entered as 002222. If
the number is unknown, you may enter the name by the telephone keypad.
| Will the
inmate know I registered for notification? |
NO! This system provides an
opportunity to register anonymously.
| What do I do
if the inmate is going to be released? |
If you fear for your safety, do
not depend on this or any other service for your only protection. Take precautionary
measure as if the inmate is already released.
| What if I
wish written notification of an inmate's release? |
If the inmate is in the custody
of the Department of Corrections and you wish to receive written notification of an
inmate's release, please notify the Records Office Branch Manager at the following
address: Offender Records, Attention: Victim Information, 5th Floor, State Office
Building, Frankfort, KY 40601. The office telephone number is 1-502-564-2433. If you wish
to be notified of a Corrections inmate's release on furlough, written requests must be
made to the Warden of the institution where the inmate is housed.
| How can I
have input into Parole Board decisions? |
The Kentucky Parole Board has,
since 1986, notified victims of crime and Commonwealth's Attorneys throughout the state
pending parole hearings 45 to 90 days prior to the inmate hearing. The Board is provided
with the names of victims by local probation and parole officers when they prepare the
Pre-Sentence Investigation Report. In the event the victim's address changes after the
court proceedings, it is essential that the victim notify the Board of the changes of
address. The Board has a toll-free victim number: 1-800-221-5991. The Board's regular
number is 1-502-564-3620.
The Board's notification process is
designed to provide the name of the offender, parole eligibility date and a Victim Impact
Statement (VIS). Victims are encouraged to complete the VIS promptly and return it to the
Parole Board. Two very important questions on the VIS are:
Do you wish to appear before the
Parole Board for a hearing?
Do you wish to be notified of the
Parole Board's decision?
The law requires that anyone who wishes
to meet with the Board for a victim hearing before the inmate's hearing advise the Board
in writing not less than seven days prior to the inmate's hearing.
Victim Impact Statements should be
returned to the Board at the following address: Kentucky Parole Board, Attention: Victim
Coordinator, 5th Floor, State Office Building, Frankfort, KY 40601.
| Why was this
system started? |
The 1993 tragic death of Mary
Byron in Louisville, Kentucky, brought to light the need for a 24 hour-a-day notification
service. Jefferson County officials recognized this need and established the first local
automated system. These officials gave seed money to implement the state wide system.
Call the toll-free VINEtm
number (1-800-511-1670).
When asked, provide the information
requested to identify the inmate for whom you wish information.
You will receive immediate
information regarding the inmate.
If you choose, you may register up to
two telephone numbers to be called when an inmate is being released.
Create your own Personal
Identification Number (PIN) using four numbers that you can remember and keep them written
in a safe place.
The
following are responsible for the implementation of Kentucky VINEtm: Office of
the Governor, Office of the Attorney General, Justice Cabinet, Corrections Department,
Kentucky Parole Board, and Kentucky Jailers' Association.
This project
was supported by Federal Grant No. 5334-N18-2/94 awarded through the Kentucky Justice
Cabinet by the Office of Justice Programs. |
