ATLANTA, GA – The Governor's Office, the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (CJCC), and the Criminal Case Data Exchange Board (CDX) are proud to announce the official launch of the statewide automated victim notification system (VINE Appriss), a cutting-edge platform designed to revolutionize jail notifications and empower victims statewide.

VINE Appriss utilizes advanced technology to provide timely and accurate information to victims, ensuring they are informed about the custody status of offenders. This innovative system enhances public safety by fostering transparency, communication, and support for crime victims. 

Key Features of VINE Appriss:

  • Real-time notifications: Receive instant updates on offender status changes.
  • Accessibility: Access information via phone, online, or mobile app.
  • User-friendly interface: Navigate the system easily, ensuring a seamless user experience.
  • Multilingual support: Cater to diverse communities by providing information in multiple languages.
  • 24/7 availability: VINE Appriss operates around the clock to provide continuous support to victims. 

""Georgia will always stand with and support victims of crime. Today’s announcement is another step in ensuring victims are informed on any developments in their offender’s case, providing them the knowledge and resources they need to ensure their voices are heard. This transparency will continue to build trust in the justice system and demonstrate our commitment to supporting victims of crime," said Governor Kemp.

CJCC is able to fund this effort through awards received from the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC). OVC awarded a Building State Technology Capacity grant of $600,000 to support the implementation of an automated statewide victim notification system. CJCC will also allocate $2M of Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) funds to support the implementation over the next 12 to 18 months. 

"CJCC has demonstrated a commitment to public safety by securing resources and coordinating state stakeholders to procure and launch VINE Appriss. This technology will undoubtedly enhance our ability to keep victims informed and contribute to the overall well-being of our communities," said Jay Neal, Executive Director of CJCC. 

CJCC and state stakeholders sought a solution that integrates with jurisdictions' current systems to leverage existing resources and promote a successful implementation experience. 

"As a career law enforcement officer, I am eager to see the implementation of VINE Appriss and wish to express our appreciation to Governor Kemp and Executive Director Neal. This established and proven platform will significantly improve our ability to immediately provide life-saving information to innocent victims thus helping to ensure safer and better informed communities," said Terry Norris, Executive Director of the Georgia Sheriffs' Association. 

A statewide automated victim notification system will also help meet the provision of notification defined in the Georgia Crime Victims’ Bill of Rights and Marsy's Law: "The right upon request to reasonable, accurate, and timely notice of arrest, release, or escape of the accused." 

Executive Director of the Prosecuting Attorneys' Council, Pete Skandalakis said, "I cannot express how pleased I am with this event. The Governor and the legislature tasked the CDX Board with making a recommendation for a statewide automated victim notification system. By partnering with CJCC, an agency providing a host of victim services, we are now closer to delivering a much asked for and needed service for victims.

Victims become subjected to the criminal justice system at no fault of their own due to the actions of others. We have a duty and responsibility to keep them informed of the progress of their case. This system will enable us to do so. This victim notification is just one step in helping someone navigate our complex justice system while trying to make sense of everything else happening around them.”

CJCC and stakeholders sought a solution that integrates with jurisdictions' current systems to leverage existing resources and promote a successful implementation experience. CJCC worked with many stakeholders to procure a system. 

Vine Appriss marks a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to public safety and victim support. CJCC looks forward to working with Appriss Vine and partners to implement the statewide automated victim notification system. 

 

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About the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (CJCC)

Created by the Georgia General Assembly in 1981 as an Executive Branch agency, the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (CJCC) represents the culmination of many efforts to establish a statewide body that would build consensus and unity among the State's diverse and interdependent, criminal justice system components. For more information visit the CJCC website: https://cjcc.georgia.gov/.

CONTACT:
Dannielle Lewis – Director of Communications & External Affairs
[email protected]