Victim Notification System

The Department of Justice (DOJ) and other federal agencies are committed to ensuring that victims of federal crime are treated fairly as their case moves through the criminal justice system. In order to provide victims with information on case events, as required by the Victims' Rights and Restitution Act and the Crime Victims' Rights Act, DOJ has developed the Victim Notification System (VNS). 

Victims can obtain automated status information by calling the VNS Call Center at 1-866-365-4968 (1-866-DOJ-4YOU) or by accessing the VNS website. A Victim ID and PIN are required to access the call center and website. This information will be sent by letter to victims. 

Once you are registered in VNS you can see the text for each notification and the additional information listed below:

• Summary Information - Information regarding investigative status, criminal charges filed, custody status, the outcome of the charges, and the sentence imposed by the court. If the defendant is in the custody of Bureau of Prisons the custody location and scheduled release date is provided.
• Case Activity/Details - Displays information about the events which are occurring in the case(s), including investigative status, notices of public court proceedings, notices regarding incarceration and/or parole hearings.
• Downloads/Links - A list of all case-specific documents and hyperlinks that pertain to the case(s).
• My Information - Provides the ability to update your contact information.
• Stop Receiving Notifications - Terminates participation in the notification program.