The right to notification is supported by each state, the U.S. Department of Justice, and the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

State Victim Notification Programs

The management of state victim notifications programs may vary. If you are seeking information about a person who is  incarcerated in a state prison or local jail, the best place to start to ensure you receive victim notification is on the VINElink website or by contacting your state’s department of corrections.

U.S. Department of Justice Victim Notification System

The Victim Notification System provides important information to victims of federal crimes, including events related to the criminal case and/or any defendants in the case. Their website is available in English and Spanish.

If you have questions about the Victim Notification System, including how to login, contact their call center toll free at 866-365-4968.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Victim Notification Program

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Victim Notification Program is another type of notification system and is a service of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Once a person that has entered the United States illegally has been convicted of a crime and served their prison sentence, they are transferred to Immigration and Customs Enforcement for deportation proceedings. This program provides information to eligible victims and witnesses about the release and/or deportation activities of a person convicted of a crime.

Eligible victims and witnesses can register to receive notifications by completing a Victim Request for Notification of Criminal Alien Status form found on the Victim Notification Program website.