Victim Notification System
When a federal criminal case reaches the prosecution stage of the criminal justice process, notification of available service and case status are provided to identified victims. In order to provide victims with information as their case moves through the criminal system, the Department of Justice has developed the Victim Notification System (VNS). This is a free, computer-based system which provides information on scheduled court events as well as important information about the outcome of those court events. It also provides information about the offenders custody status such as placement in community correction centers, furlough, release and death. The events that generate notification are as follows:
• The release or detention status of an offender, pending judicial proceedings or the offender’s placement in a pretrial diversion program;
• The filing of charges against a suspected offender;
• The scheduling of court proceedings;
• The outcome of the proceedings;
• The imposed sentence including any restitution information;
• Notification continues by the Federal Bureau of Prisons after conviction.
Victims can also call the VNS hotline number for automated status information at 1-866-365-4968 (1-866-DOJ-4YOU). In order to protect victims’ personal contact information, a Victim Identification Number and a Personal Identification number are required to access this information. For details on how to get those numbers or for other additional, please contact this office at any time.
VNS also provides internet to identified victims. There is a vast amount of general victim information contained within the web site as well as current, upcoming and historical information regarding a victim’s specific case. A VIN and PIN number is also required to access this web site. To access this web site go to : www.notify.usdoj.gov.
VNS is a service provided by:
Federal Bureau of Investigation
The United States Attorney’s Office
The Federal Bureau of Prisons
The Office Victims of Crime
In cooperation with: The United States Postal Service
NOTE: In cases involving large number of victims, alternative methods of notification may be used. Also remember that our efforts to notify you are only as good as the information we have on you. If you should change address and/or phone number and want to continue to receive notification, please call our office and provide us with updated information.