Skip Navigation
USAO Home Page

The Department of Justice Victim Notification System (VNS)

INTRODUCTION -  The Department of Justice and the United States Postal Inspection Service are committed to ensuring the victims of federal crime are treated fairly as their case moves through the criminal justice system.  In order to provide victims with information on case events, the Department of Justice has developed the Victim Notification System (VNS).  The following will provide you with information about VNS.

Victim Notification System (VNS): VNS is a cooperative effort between the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), the United States Attorneys' offices, the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP), and in cooperation with the United States Postal Inspection Service.  This free, computer based system provides important information to victims.  In many   cases you will receive letters generated through VNS containing information about the events pertaining to your case and/or any defendants in the case. This information is available in English and Spanish on the Internet and through a toll-free telephone number (Call Center).  In cases with many victims, you may receive only one letter and then be directed to the Internet or Call Center for further information.

    VNS can inform you of:

horizonal rule

VNS INFORMATION

Registration: You will receive a Victim Identification Number (VIN) and a Personal Identification Number (PIN) that will allow you to access the system.  If you have chosen to participate in VNS, but have not received these numbers, please contact either the FBI, the USPIS, or U.S. Attorney's office handling your case.  Your VIN and PIN numbers are both required any time you contact the Call Center or when accessing VNS on the Internet.

VNS Internet Access: You may access information about the case via the Internet at https://www.Notify.USDOJ.gov.  You will be required to enter your VIN and PIN.  The web site, in some instances, may provide additional information that is not available through the Call center.

The VNS Call Center:

  • You may call 1-866-365-4968 for current information.  You will be required to enter you VIN and your PIN.
  • By following  the prompts, VNS will provide custody information and notice of upcoming court events.
  • The Call Center will include options to hear:  Upcoming Events - information on further court hearings, Historical Court Events - information on past court hearings, and Detailed Information on Each Defendant - information regarding criminal charges filed, the outcome of the charges, and the sentence imposed by the Court; if the defendant is i the custody of BOP, the custody location, projected date of release from custody and other release information.

VNS Notification: Aside from the VNS Call Center, you may receive information on case events by telephone, E-mail, numeric pager, or fax.  Please note that in some instances, VNS may first contact you by phone which will require use of your PIN.

horizonal rule

COMMON QUESTIONS

Below are some common questions about VNS.  If at any time you have a question about VNS that is not answered here, please contact your local FBI, USPIS, or U.S. Attorney's office.

1.    What if I forget my PIN?

If you cannot remember your VIN or PIN numbers, please contact the person indicated on your initial notification letter or the Victim Witness Coordinator at your local U.S. Attorney's Office.

2.    What if I am not at home or my phone is busy when VNS calls?

If you are not at home or if your telephone line is busy, the Call Center will continue calling you every 30 minutes. If the call is answered, but is not confirmed with your PIN number, VNS will continue to call every 2 hours. 

3.    When can I call VNS Call Center or access VNS on the Internet?

Monday - Friday:  6:00 a.m. - 3:00 a.m. (Eastern Time)
Saturday:  6:00 a.m. - 12:00 a.m.
Sunday:   8:00 a.m. - 12:00 a.m.
Call: 1-866-DOJ-4YOU    (1-866-365-4968)
International Callers:  (1) 502-213-2767
https://www.Notify.USDOJ.Gov

4.    Does the Victim Notification System ensure my safety?

No.  Do not depend on VNS to ensure your safety.  If you feel that you are being threatened, immediately notify law enforcement. 

5.    What should I do if my contact information changes?

If your address or phone number changes, you should update your contact information using one of the following methods (1) VNS on the Internet; (2) VNS Call Center; (3) the person indicated on your initial notification letter, or; (4) the Victim-Witness Coordinator at your local U.S. Attorney's office.  You must keep your contact information current.  If an agency is unable to contact you due to outdated contact information, you will be removed from the notification program.

6.    Must I receive notification?

If you do not wish to receive notification you may contact: (1) the VNS Call Center (1-866-365-4968, provide your VNS VIN & PIN, select Opt Out option); (2) access the VNS web site and select the Stop Receiving Notifications link; (3) the person indicated on your initial notification letter; or (4) the Victim-Witness Coordinator at your local U.S. Attorney's Office.

horizonal rule