Overview
Crime victims, as well as all other New Yorkers, have a right to be notified to receive information relating to the crime, sentence and release date of persons serving sentences in state prison.
To receive written notification of an incarcerated individual's release, you can submit the DOCCS' Office of Victim Assistance (OVA) Notification Form. You may also register with VineLink to receive same day notifications by phone call, text, or email regarding release information and custody status.
OVA Notifications
As the victim of a crime, you have the right to be notified when an incarcerated individual is scheduled to be interviewed by the Board of Parole (BOP), of the Board's decision, and of the incarcerated individual's scheduled release date and the Parole Officer assigned, if applicable.
To receive written notification, complete the OVA Victim Notification Form.
All notification forms are confidential and are not held at correctional facilities. Incarcerated individuals do not have access to them.
VINE/VINELink Notifications
Individuals seeking information of an incarcerated individual's release can call VINE at 1-888-VINE-4-NY (1-888-846-3469) or visit the VINELink website to get the following notification:
- Incarcerated Individual's release
- Incarcerated Individual's escape
- Incarcerated Individual's death
- Incarcerated Individual's participation in a furlough
- Incarcerated Individual's participation in temporary/work release
Notification will not be provided when individuals transfer from one state correctional facility to another state correctional facility or when the incarcerated individual is scheduled to be interviewed by the BOP.
Automated Telephone Notifications
The VINE automated telephone system is available 24 hours a day/7 days a week/365 days a year in English, Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Haitian, Creole, Korean and Italian. A live operator can assist callers having difficulty using the system.
To use the VINE system to register for telephone notification, dial 1-888-VINE-4-NY (1-888-846-3469). Choose Option 2 to register against an incarcerated individual in a state correctional facility and provide the individual's Department Identification Number (DIN), New York State Identification Number (NYSID), or name and date of birth. Register the phone number to be notified.
You will need to select a four-digit personal identification number (PIN) that will be easy to remember. You will need to enter the PIN at the time you receive the call to confirm you have received notification. No name or address is collected on the VINE system. The telephone number registered to receive the notification call is confidential.
The VINE telephone notification service provides information regarding release only. It does not provide information on upcoming BOP interviews or of the results of BOP interviews.
Victims and other concerned citizens can register to be notified via email or text through VINELink to obtain timely and reliable information about the custody status of incarcerated individuals, 24 hours a day.
Email and Text Notifications
To receive email or text notification of an incarcerated individual's release, register with via VINELink.