Penmate Inmate Support Guides

How to Get Automatic Alerts When Someone's Custody Status Changes: Setting Up VINE Notifications

Want a heads-up when someone's custody status changes? VINE sends you automatic alerts. Here's what it does and the quickest ways to sign up.

• 2 min read Verified from official sources

VINE is a free service that lets you check an offender's custody status and protective order status. It can also notify you automatically when that status changes. This is especially useful if you're tracking major updates like a transfer, a release, or any change that affects where someone is held or whether they're still in custody.

To use VINE by phone, call 1-800-511-1670. You can use that number to look up custody and protective order information and register to be notified when a status changes.

You can also access VINE online at VINELink.com. The process is straightforward: search for the person you want to track, then choose your notification preferences. You'll get automated alerts whenever there's a change.

Prefer using your phone? Download the VINELink mobile app. Where available, the app lets you register for notifications so you get updates without checking manually.

  • ✓ Phone call notifications
  • ✓ Email notifications
  • ✓ Text message notifications
  • ✓ In-app notifications
  • ✓ TTY access (for TTY users) at 1-866-847-1298

Note: If you use a TTY, you can access VINE at 1-866-847-1298.

Kentucky law (KRS 197.170) also provides a written-notification option. Victims can request written notification of an offender's release by mailing a written request to the Kentucky DOC Victim Services Branch at P.O. Box 2400, Room G-46, Frankfort, KY 40602.

  • ✓ Kentucky DOC Victim Services Branch office: 502-564-5061
  • ✓ Kentucky DOC Victim Services Branch victim line: 877-687-6818

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