Jail Release and Using Vinelink

As a bail bondsman I hear the same question from many clients, “How will I know when my son is released from jail?” Before the advent of Vinelink there really was no way to know unless, once released, the defendant was able to borrow a cell phone or had a quarter to call from a payphone. If the defendant was unable or unwilling to call then the co-signer would not know when the defendant was let out because all jails release inmates at random times and they don’t notify bail agents or family members. Today we have Vinelink for this purpose.

The service provided by Vinelink and the National Victim Notification Network informs an interested party by phone or email when a selected inmate is released. The service is open to any concerned citizen that goes to the website and registers. However, this service was mainly developed for victims of crimes.

For instance, a victim of spousal abuse calls the police and has her husband arrested for severely beating her. In this case the victim may very well be scared for her life. If the husband is released from jail and she is unaware then she could be in danger without knowing. Now, she has the option of registering with Vinelink to be notified when her husband is released which allows her to prepare in the event he comes looking for her. The Vinelink service was developed with the victim in mind.

A victim or any concerned citizen can go to Vinelink.com and click the State in which they live on the U.S. map provided on the website. Then they would click the County in which they live and then hit the “Search and Register” tab. Some States and Counties do not participate in the service but many do. The County where I work in Sacramento, Ca has an internet link to the Vinelink website on the Sacramento Sherriff’s website. Once a person registers with Vinlink the system will notify the registrant by how they choose.

The registration process takes minutes. Once on the “Search and Register” page type in the defendant’s first and last name then press [SEARCH]. The person’s name will come up and then you click the name. Next select the method in which you would like to be notified either by phone or email. If you select by phone enter your phone number and create a four digit pin number. You must remember the pin number that you select. When the defendant is released you will receive an automated phone call. You will then need to verify by entering your pin number before you receive the message. Or sometimes, depending on your County, the phone call will notify you then you will need to enter your pin to stop the notification. If you do not enter your pin then you will receive a new notification every hour until the correct code is entered. If you forget your pin you will need to call the 800 number to have the phone call notification deactivated.

The automated phone call is a delayed notification. The defendant is released first, and then the notification goes out. Sometimes this delay is 10 to 20 minutes after release. Even though the Vinelink service is mainly for victims, I use it as a concerned citizen to be notified when a defendant is released on my bail bond. A family member or co-signer of the defendant should be able to use the service as a concerned citizen as well. Vinelink is available 24 hrs a day and users can also register using the toll-free number.

The Vinelink service is a very useful tool to be used by victims and other concerned citizens. It is easy to register online or call at any hour on any day. Before Vinelink there was no way to be notified of a defendant’s release from jail since jails let inmates out at random and do not notify. The advent of Vinelink has helped many victims and concerned citizens and it may be able to help you.