AG Alan Wilson & Department of Corrections announce SC crime victims now have increased access to services and information
February 3, 2021
Crime victims in South Carolina can now get increased access to services and information through an enhanced version of the S.C. Victim Information and Notification Everyday system, commonly known as SC-VINE.
The new version of SC-VINE, which launched recently, offers users innovative functionality, an improved user experience and expanded access to victim services. A key feature is a directory of providers, which allows users to ask for assistance and connect directly with both local and national victim service providers.
“Victims of crime and their families have a constitutional right to be kept informed about their cases and the status of their offenders. This updated system will make that process even better,” Attorney General Alan Wilson said. “It continues the longstanding cooperation between the South Carolina Department of Corrections and the Attorney General’s office in serving and protecting victims.”
The Department of Corrections has offered this type of service since 2008, playing a key role in keeping victims safe through the power of information. The service is comprised of a statewide network of county detention centers, state prisons, probation and parole, providing crime victims and concerned citizens free access to timely and reliable offender custody information.
“It is important that we ensure victims have access to the services they need and deserve,” SCDC Director Bryan Stirling said. “I’m grateful that we can expand and improve the VINE system.”
During 2020:
- 81,640 South Carolinians registered to receive notifications;
- 89,436 notifications were provided to registered users through outbound calls, emails, text messages and TTY, a device used to communicate with hearing or speech impaired individuals;
- 2,264,651 offender searches were conducted using the website and mobile applications.
The enhanced service is a partnership between SCDC and the S.C. Attorney General’s Office of Crime Victim Assistance Grants.
South Carolina contracts with Appriss Insights, the nation’s leading victim notification network provider, to provide this free service that includes access to a toll-free telephone number with 24-hr assistance, as well as the VINELink website and mobile application. Users may also register to receive automated notifications relating to changes in custody status by telephone, email or text message. These communications are in both English and Spanish.
“I’m looking forward to crime victims in South Carolina benefitting from the latest version of this crucial victim-centric technology, which will help them stay informed about the status of offenders and find resources quickly and easily,” said Karin Ho, Director of SCDC Division of Victim Services.
Appriss has been serving victims of crime and intimate partner violence since 1994 and has continued to evolve through advancements in technology. South Carolina is the 24th state in the country to implement the enhanced VINE service since its rollout in May 2017. “Appriss is pleased to continue its partnership with the State of South Carolina through the newest version of VINE, a key cog in keeping survivors in South Carolina safe and informed,” said Lalla O’Bryan, Vice President of Victim Services at Appriss Insights. “Appriss has been a proud partner of the S.C. Department of Corrections Division of Victim Services for the last 13 years, and we are excited to continue to address victim-focused needs through new features like the Service Provider Directory.”
To access the newest version of VINE in South Carolina, visit VINELink.com.
