A Victim Notification System (VNS), Crime Victim Notification (CVN), or Statewide Automated Victim Notification Service (SAVNS), is a computer-controlled system by which victims of federal crimes are informed about the release of or the escape of the offender(s) who perpetrated that crime.
In the
United States
The United States of America (USA), also known as the United States (U.S.) or America, is a country primarily located in North America. It is a federal republic of 50 U.S. state, states and a federal capital district, Washington, D.C. The 48 ...
, the VNS is operated by the
Federal Bureau of Investigation
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is the domestic Intelligence agency, intelligence and Security agency, security service of the United States and Federal law enforcement in the United States, its principal federal law enforcement ag ...
, the
U.S. Attorney's Office
United States attorneys are officials of the U.S. Department of Justice who serve as the chief federal law enforcement officers in each of the 94 U.S. federal judicial districts. Each U.S. attorney serves as the United States' chief federal ...
s, and the
Federal Bureau of Prisons
The Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) is a Federal law enforcement in the United States, federal law enforcement agency of the United States Department of Justice that is responsible for all List of United States federal prisons, federal prisons ...
. It is an electronic system accessible by
telephone
A telephone, colloquially referred to as a phone, is a telecommunications device that enables two or more users to conduct a conversation when they are too far apart to be easily heard directly. A telephone converts sound, typically and most ...
or via the
internet
The Internet (or internet) is the Global network, global system of interconnected computer networks that uses the Internet protocol suite (TCP/IP) to communicate between networks and devices. It is a internetworking, network of networks ...
, and information is also sent by mail. The VNS provides information on scheduled court events and their outcomes, as well as changes in the offenders custody status. Access to VNS information requires a Victim Identification Number (VIN) and a
personal identification number
A personal identification number (PIN; sometimes RAS syndrome, redundantly a PIN code or PIN number) is a numeric (sometimes alpha-numeric) passcode used in the process of authenticating a user accessing a system.
The PIN has been the key to faci ...
(PIN).
In
Canada
Canada is a country in North America. Its Provinces and territories of Canada, ten provinces and three territories extend from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean and northward into the Arctic Ocean, making it the world's List of coun ...
, the VNS system consists of a computer operated telephone system, which automatically contacts the victims of crimes when the offender is either released from custody or escapes.
See also
*
All Points Bulletin
*
Electronic tagging
Electronic tagging is a form of surveillance that uses an electronic device affixed to a person.
In some jurisdictions, an electronic tag fitted above the ankle is used for people as part of their bail or probation conditions. It is also used in ...
External links
- Appriss Safety's VINE Service which provides victim notification services for 48 states- The US Victim Notification System website
References
* https://apprisssafety.com/solutions/vine/
* http://www.forensiceducation.com/sourcebooks/glossary/v.htm#8
* http://149.101.1.32/usao/ohn/vw/vw_vns.html
{{US-law-stub
Law enforcement in the United States
Public safety communications
Victims' rights