EAGLE RIVER – Vilas County residents will now have quick access to custody information on offenders in the county jail.

             Sheriff John Niebuhr announced the launching of WI-VINE service, an automated service that notifies registered crime victims and other concerned citizens when offenders are released from jail, and also provides around-the-clock access to offender information either by telephone or use of the Internet.

              In addition to crime victims, the VINE system can be used by family members, neighbors, business owners, law enforcement officers, criminal justice professionals – anyone impacted by crime – who is interested in knowing the location and custody status of criminal defendants and offenders housed in the county jail.

            “Protecting the citizens of Vilas County is always our highest priority,” said Niebuhr.  “The WI-VINE service provides an added level of protection because it gives everyone access to timely and accurate information on offenders in our county and other counties throughout the state that offer the VINE service.  Our department is appreciative of the local support we received to participate in this grant and are delighted that we could make this important service available to the public.”

            Individuals throughout the county who are interested in inquiring about an offender or receiving automated notification of an offender’s change in status can call 1-888-944-8463 or log on to www.vinelink.com and search by an offender’s name or booking number to obtain custody information. 

             Those choosing to register for automated notification will be able to register multiple phones and/or e-mail addresses where they will be automatically notified when the offender is released, transferred, escapes from custody or their status changes.

            In addition, live operator assistance is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, through the toll free line at 1-888-944-8463, for callers who have questions or require additional help.

            “The WI-VINE service has been in operation in various areas throughout the country for the past fifteen years and the service is certainly designed with the victim in mind.  It is very user-friendly,” Sheriff Niebuhr said.

            “What makes it special is the automatic notification feature – as long as you’ve got a telephone or a computer, you can receive an automated alert anytime of the day or night.  This level of protection and notification are critically important to anyone who’s concerned about the whereabouts of an offender.” 

            The WI-VINE service is funded by a grant from the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice. 

            Vilas County joins Marinette, Shawano, Douglas, Ozaukee, Waukesha, Eau Claire, Trempealeau, Waushara, Sawyer, Door, Winnebago, Marquette, Clark, LaCrosse, Monroe, Rock, Waushara, Oconto, Kewaunee, Outagamie and Dane counties in making the WI-VINE service available. 

            WI-VINE brochures are available from the Sheriff’s Department, local law enforcement agencies, public libraries, the district attorney’s office and other community-based service providers.