Maine sheriffs aim to install new system to alert victims of inmate releases

Members of Maine law enforcement are hoping to expand an electronic victim notification system to more county jails.

Last May, the Maine Sheriffs Association launched a pilot program at four jails using “VINE,” a system where people can voluntarily register to be notified when an inmate is released.

The pilot program is currently available at four county jails in the state: Aroostook, Penobscot, Somerset, and Two Bridges Regional Jail, which covers Lincoln and Sagadahoc counties.

Penobscot County Sheriff Troy Morton says it’s information that is invaluable to victims and witnesses who want to keep track of the release of a specific inmate.

It’s already been used more than 6,000 times.

Sheriffs are now hoping lawmakers will approve $250,000 in the upcoming supplemental budget to expand the program to all 15 county jails.

“This isn’t a county corrections issue, this is a statewide issue to protect victims and witnesses through electronic notification and no longer put our state last in something that is probably the most important,” Morton said.

Morton says Maine is the only state in the country without a program like this.

To register for a Maine VINE account, visit VINELink.com, download the VINELink mobile app, or call 1-866-358-0005.