Victim Information and Notification Everyday (VINE)
is a free, anonymous, computer assisted telephone service that provides offender custody information and notification of changes in offender custody status.

While VINE was created with victim safety in mind, it is available to anyone concerned about the custody of an offender at the Rhode Island ACI.

How do I use the RI-VINE?

• You can register by calling RI-VINE, logging onto www.vinelink.com or by calling OVS at 401-462-5203.
• RI-VINE is available in Spanish and English
• If you do not know the offender's name, check with the arresting police department.
• In case there are several offenders with the same name, ask for other helpful descriptors such as age or race.
• To locate an offender that is being held at the ACI, call the RI-VINE hotline directly from a touch-tone phone or log onto www.vinelink.com
• If you choose to register for notification, think of a four-digit PIN number that is easy to remember.
• When you have successfully identified an offender, you will be given that offender’s ID number. Record this number for future use.

WHY AM I RECEIVING UNWANTED CALLS FROM RI-VINE?
Your current phone number was previously registered with the service. For after hours call 1-877-744-8463 and speak to an operator. During working hours call OVS at 462-5203.

What is a PIN?
A PIN (Personal Identification Number) is a four-digit code chosen by you, and is required to register for notifications. When receiving a RI-VINE notification, you will be asked to enter your PIN. Entering the PIN is the only way to confirm receipt and stop the notification from repeating. If you forgot your PIN call OVS during business hours.

When would I receive notification?
Advance notice will be given of an inmate’s release upon completion of sentence, an inmate’s upcoming parole hearing, a parole release and home confinement/community confinement transfers.

Notice will be given upon court release of an awaiting-trial inmate, escape, return from escape, death, transfer to transitional housing, qualification for work release, transfer to an out-of-state-facility, furlough and mental health and RI State Police transfers. Other notifications may be added in the future.

What if I’m not at home or my phone is busy when RI-VINE calls?
RI-VINE is designed to allow every opportunity for you to be notified. If there is no answer or the line is busy, RI-VINE will continue to call for a minimum of 24 hours. RI-VINE will leave a message on an answering machine, but will continue to call for 24 hours or until the PIN is entered. If the notification call cannot be completed and you provided your address when you registered, a notification letter can be sent to you.

Can I register more than one telephone number with RI-VINE?
Yes, but each registration must be done separately and requires a PIN. You may use the same PIN for several registrations.

Does RI-VINE ensure my safety?
No. The RI-VINE program is designed to provide you with quick and easy access to offender information and to assist you in preparing for an offender’s release. If you feel that you may be at risk, protect yourself as if the inmate has already been released. Do not depend solely on VINE or any other program for your safety. For assistance in creating a safety plan call the Victims of Crime Helpline 1-800-494-8100

Who sponsors RI-VINE?
VINE is provided by the RI Department of Corrections

For further information, please call the RIDOC Office of Victim Services at (401) 462-5203.

Visit VINE online »