WALTON COUNTY, Fla. — The Walton County Sheriff’s Office will launch a new victim notification system on February 19, designed to provide automated updates to crime victims throughout the criminal justice process, the agency announced.
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The Walton County Sheriff’s Office said the enhanced system, powered by VINE and Versaterm CommunityConnect, will deliver updates from the initial 9-1-1 call through judicial proceedings, incarceration, protective orders, and release events.
According to the Walton County Sheriff’s Office, when a crime victim calls 9-1-1, the agency’s computer-aided dispatch system enters the caller’s phone number. From that point on, victims will receive notifications throughout the investigation.
If a victim registers with VINE, notifications will continue through incarceration and any parole or release events, the Walton County Sheriff’s Office said.
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The agency said the combined tools are intended to provide near-real-time updates from the moment an incident occurs through the post-arrest judicial process, while also allowing victims to provide feedback on their interactions.
“By leveraging these advanced tools, we’re strengthening how our community stays informed and supported throughout the criminal justice process,” said Sheriff Michael Adkinson.
“This system empowers victims to plan for their safety and gives them greater peace of mind.”
VINE is described as a nationwide victim notification network that provides secure updates on offender custody status in more than 45 states. Victims and concerned individuals may check custody status and register for notifications by phone, online, or through a mobile app.
Versaterm CommunityConnect is designed to provide updates from the time an incident is reported and includes mobile-friendly surveys intended to help the agency improve services.
More information about VINE and Versaterm CommunityConnect is available at vine.equifax.com/eevn-vine-versaterm.
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