Carson joins victim notification system

Carson City is the 13th Nevada county to join the automated Victim Information and Notification Every day system.

The system allows crime victims and concerned citizens to have access to custody information about offenders and for victims to be immediately informed if the offender who harmed them is transferred or released or escapes or dies.

"We must continue to protect the victims of crime by keeping them informed on the custody status of their offenders," said Attorney General Catherine Cortez Masto.

"By automating these services we can better protect victims in the aftermath of a crime," said Carson City Sheriff Ken Furlong.

The so-called VINE service is provided by the Nevada attorney general's office and local law enforcement. Users can register to be notified by phone or email when the custody status of an offender changes. Live operators are available 24 hours a day to assistvictims.

Users can register by calling 1-888-2NV-VINE (888-268-8463) or online at www.vinelink.com.

In addition to Carson City, the service operates in Churchill, Douglas, Lyon, Storey, Washoe, Esmeralda, Eureka, Lander, Humboldt, Elko, Lincoln and White Pine counties.

The AG's office is holding training sessions for victims, victims' advocates, law enforcement and community members beginning Tuesday.

The sessions in western Nevada include Tuesday at the Public Safety Training Center on Spectrum Blvd. in Reno; Wednesday at Virginia City High and Fallon Justice Court, and Thursday at the attorney general's mock courtroom in Carson City.

Those wishing to attend one of the meetings should register with Anita Duerson (aduerson@appriss.com) by the end of business today.