SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) -- A critical service that provides victims of crime with the custody status of offenders has been restored in San Francisco after over a year of downtime, the San Francisco Sheriff’s Office (SFSO) announced Wednesday. The Victim Information and Notification Everyday (VINE) service is described by the sheriff’s office as a free, confidential resource that allows crime victims to register for automated notifications regarding offender releases or transfers. The portal had been discontinued in May 2023 when Equifax acquired Appriss Insights and announced that it would no longer be supported. Suspect in ‘unprovoked’ BART stabbing arrested In place of VINE, the sheriff’s office initiated signups for alerts to be provided manually by deputies making phone calls. Over a year later, in October 2024, “Equifax issued a bulletin notifying SFSO and all previous VINE registrants that the service was back up and running, ensuring victims that they will receive the updates they need during challenging times,” said SFSO Chief Information Officer Martin Okumu. Sheriff Paul Miyamoto said in a statement, “We understand how critical it is for victims to stay informed about the offenders involved in their cases. VINE is an essential resource that provides peace of mind and transparency in our criminal justice system.” “Not knowing where your abuser is can increase trauma and anxiety for domestic violencesurvivors,” said Delia Ginorio, survivor restoration director at SFSO. “In 2023, there were6,658 domestic violence related calls to 911. Many of them are women who have suffered at thehands of an abuser, so having VINE can serve as a literal lifeline.” Victims and the public can access VINE on the San Francisco Sheriff’s Office website by clicking the VINE button at the top of the homepage or by calling 1-800-567-7780.