Are you a victim-survivor? Would you like to receive automatic updates on the status of an incarcerated person? To get started visit vinelink.com. See the rest of the slides in this series for a step-by-step guide!

You can use the “quick exit” button in the upper right corner to escape the website if needed for immediate privacy. Step 2 is to select your state from the dropdown menu.

If you click “Search for Someone” you can find the incarcerated person you want to know more about

Choose either name, Id number, or case number and enter in the information for the incarcerated person. Be sure to uncheck “display offender photos” if you do not want to see their photo.

The incarcerated person’s information will come up, including name, age, gender, race, the agency holding the person, their unique ID number, their custody status, and the location they are held. You can choose “Record Details” to find out more information about them including booking date, OR “Get Notified” which is where you can sign up for automatic notifications

If you choose to sign up for notifications, you will receive a text, call, and/or email if the custody status changes, meaning if the person is released or transferred. Click ADD to choose your method of notification. TTY is also available.

Check the methods of notification you prefer. Note:* If you register for phone call notification as your method, the system will continue to call you until you punch in your pin number and the system knows you’ve listened to the call.

You can check more than one notification method.

Note, per the website:
”All personal information submitted by users of this site will be kept confidential and will be used only for VINE services”

You can look up your registrations or see if you’ve registered already if you don’t remember. And, next you will set up a PIN number.

Select a 4 digit PIN number, re-enter it to confirm, and click “complete registration”.

If you see the “registration confirmed” screen, you’re done! What’s next? You will receive a confirmation by whatever method you chose. If you chose a phone notification, you WILL get an automated call, so don’t worry! It’s just a confirmation that you registered. Similarly, you will get a text or email if you selected those formats. Check out “Vine Resource Center” youtube channel for more how-to’s.

In addition to VINELINK, you must also sign up with the Crime Victim Services Bureau (CVSB) to ensure no notifications are missed regarding parole or release.

Select the “Public Programs” menu and choose “Victim Services”

Select the red button labeled “Register Now” to begin the registration process.

Fill out your contact information including name, phone, email, address, and whether you are a direct victim, witness, or parent/guardian of a victim/witness. Click “Next”.

You will need the name, date of birth, Department of Safety and Corrections (DPS&C) number, offense, parish of conviction and court docket, length of sentence, and date of sentencing. If you do not have this information, please call (225) 342-1056 to speak with someone.