Corrections | Parole | Probation

New York City uses all available avenues to hold batterers accountable. Domestic violence is a crime. Offenders held accountable through the criminal justice system may interact with the Department of Correction, the Department of Parole, and/or the Department of Probation.

Can I receive notification of the abuser’s release from jail?
Yes. In 1998, New York State established a free 24-hour hotline service that provides information about the status of inmates in the custody of the New York City Department of Correction (DOC), the New York State Department of Correctional Services (DOCS), and parolees supervised by the New York State Department of Parole.

The Victim Information and Notification Everyday (VINE) Program maintains and gives information on offenders in 62 county jails throughout New York State, including Nassau and Westchester counties. VINE also provides crime and release data on all prison inmates and can initiate automated notifications to registered callers about the release of those inmates. VINE was created to give crime victims easier access to important custody information, including whether a particular inmate is still incarcerated.

Please note:
Forty-eight hours or more may elapse between the time of arrest, when a defendant is housed by DOC and when that data is entered into the Department's Inmate Information System. As a result, the DOC will have no information on an abuser who is released on bail or without bail by the arraignment court.

If VINE cannot confirm that the abuser is in DOC custody, prudence dictates that the caller assume the defendant is not incarcerated.

Does VINE monitor all inmates?
No. VINE monitors only New York City Department of Correction inmates, New York State Department of Correctional Services inmates and parolees supervised by the New York State Department of Parole. The program does not monitor those inmates held in police lockups, Federal detention facilities, or juvenile detention centers.

How do I access the VINE Program?
Victims may call 888-VINE4NY (846-3469) from any touch-tone phone to receive information regarding the custody status of an inmate and to register for the automated notification system.

If VINE confirms that the individual is in Department of Correction custody, the victim will be given the option of registering to receive an automated phone notification if that inmate is released or transferred from Department of Correction custody.

The victim will need the inmate’s first and last name. If the inmate has a common name, contact the prosecuting District Attorney's Office to obtain the inmate's New York State Identification Number (NYSID) or date of birth.

How do I register for automated notification through the VINE Program?
Before calling the first time, victims should:
1. Create a four-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN), keep it safe, and remember it.
2. Establish a secure telephone line through which s/he will be able to receive automated notification calls regarding inmate release.
3. Follow the telephone registration prompts.

For more information on VINE in New York City, contact 718-546-8619.