VINE tracking aids crime victims

BERNALILLO, N.M. (KRQE) - A new online and phone system designed to allow crime victims to monitor inmates and alleged offenders, was unveiled today in the 13th Judicial District covering Sandoval, Cibola and Valencia counties.

Called VINE, short for Victim Information Notification Everyday, the system lets crime victims track suspects as they make their way through the judicial system and offenders who are still in the state Department of Corrections.

The program allows a person to track the movements of criminals by checking in as often as they wish or choosing to be notified immediately by e-mail or phone if an offender's custody status changes or they have a court hearing.

"This is a way the victim becomes independent and takes control of their own situation and doesn't depend so much on the criminal justice system," 13th Judicial District Attorney Lemuel Martinez told KRQE News 13. "We won't as often have to deal with a situation where 'they called me but I didn't get the call' or there was a letter sent but sent to the wrong address or they didn't get it on time."

The program is already up and running in nine New Mexico counties and is suppose to be up and running statewide by the end of 2011.

Victim advocates say a tool like this is vital in giving crime victims peace of mind especially for those involved in domestic-violence or sexual-assault cases.

Program administrator Kevin Ann Cary said one mother already uses VINE daily.

"There is a mother who calls every morning before she sends her kids to school because her ex-husband threatened to take her kids from school, so she calls every morning to ensure he is still in custody." Cary said.

To register visit the VINE website or call 1-877-551-VINE (877-551-8463).

Officials say if a county isn't yet participating in the VINE program there are still links to their local lock-up to check the status of inmates.