LEXINGTON, Ky. — Kentucky's VINE (Victim Information and Notification Everyday) system has been restored to full operational status following a temporary outage, the state Justice and Public Safety Cabinet announced. The system is now back online, allowing victims of crimes to resume receiving notifications about the status of offender releases, court proceedings and custody changes.

The VINE system provides registered users with automated alerts via phone, email or text message when individuals in the criminal justice system are released from custody or when scheduled court hearings occur. The outage prevented users from accessing real-time information about incarcerated individuals, temporarily limiting the state's ability to deliver timely victim notifications.

The cabinet's technology team worked to diagnose and resolve the issue, bringing the system back into full service. Officials did not specify the duration of the outage or its cause, but confirmed that all system functions have been restored and are operating normally.

Kentucky residents who are registered with VINE can receive notifications about offenders in their cases at any stage of the criminal justice process. The service is available free of charge to crime victims and witnesses throughout the state. Users can register, update their information or manage notification preferences through the system's online platform or by contacting local law enforcement agencies.

The VINE system is part of a national network of victim notification services used across multiple states to keep victims informed about criminal cases. In Kentucky, the system serves as a critical tool for public safety, enabling victims to maintain awareness of offender movements and court activities that may affect their safety or case outcomes.

Residents experiencing issues accessing the VINE system or needing assistance with registration are encouraged to contact their local law enforcement agency or the Kentucky Justice and Public Safety Cabinet for support.