VINE helps public keep tabs on justice system
The Norman Transcript
Technology is making it possible for crime victims and their families to keep closer tabs on an offender's status in the state's prison system.
VINE technology is now available in 49 of the state's 77 counties, including Cleveland County. Oklahoma County joined the system this month. It came about through the efforts of Attorney General Drew Edmondson, Sheriff John Whetsel and Oklahoma County District Attorney David Prater, who grew up in Norman and was a police officer here.
Although it was intended to track violent criminals, the system keeps track of people who go through the state's criminal justice system for any reason. Career criminals often target victims multiple times.
Crime victims will be able to access the VINE Web site and request notification any time an offender's status changes.
VINE (www.vinelink.com) picks up where the the state's Supreme Court case network leaves off. That system, (OSCN.net) allows anyone with a computer and Internet access to check on the status of a case. But after sentencing, that network does not track the whereabouts, parole or release status of any offenders.