The Putnam County Sheriff's Office participates in the New York Sheriffs' Victim Hotline, commonly referred to as the "VINE Program."

Many crime victims live in fear that the offender who victimized them may someday return to do so again. For these victims and their families and friends, it is important to know that the offender is incarcerated in the Putnam County Sheriff's Department Correctional Facility, and to know if and when that offender is released from custody.

It has often been difficult for a victim to obtain timely and accurate information about an offender's status. This information is so vital to the victim's peace of mind. That is why Sheriff Donald B. Smith is pleased to join with other sheriffs across New York State to implement the "VINE Program." Now with just one toll-free phone call, a citizen can immediately learn the custody status of any offender housed in any New York's county jail or other county correctional facilities 24 hours a day.

In addition to providing custody status information to callers, the Sheriffs' Victim Hotline also has an automatic notification feature. Any victim may register with the "VINE Program" to be automatically notified if an offender's custody status should change. This feature eliminates the need for a victim to constantly call the Sheriffs' Victim Hotline to verify the offender's status. The Sheriffs' Victim Hotline will also let you leave a phone number where you want to be notified when that offender is released, transferred, or escapes.

What do I need to do?

1. Call 1-888-846-3469 from a touch tone telephone and follow directions. The Sheriffs' Victim Hotline will tell you the custody status of the offender.
2. If the offender is in custody, you can leave a phone number where you want to be notified when there is a change in the offender's custody status. Enter the area code and phone number, followed by the pound (#) key.
3. When the Sheriffs' Victim Hotline asks, make up and enter a four-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN) code that will be easy for you to remember.
4. When the New York State Sheriffs' Victim Hotline calls, listen to the message, and then enter your PIN when asked. Entering the PIN lets the Victim Hotline know that you got the call.
5. Don't depend solely on the Sheriffs' Victim Hotline service for your protection. If you feel that you may be at risk, take precautions as if the offender has already been released.