Missouri Victim Notification System Update Requires Action by May 4

Jefferson City, Mo. (KFMO) - Missouri crime victims and residents who rely on automated notifications about court cases and offender custody status will soon see major changes, as the state prepares to launch an updated system.

The Missouri Department of Public Safety announced it will deploy a significant upgrade to the Missouri Automated Victim Notification System (MOVANS) on May 5, 2026. The system allows registered users to receive alerts about upcoming court events, custody status changes, and other important case updates.

As part of the transition, all users must update their notification preferences to receive alerts via SMS text message or email by May 4, 2026. After that date, phone notifications and alerts through the VINELink mobile app will no longer be supported.

Officials say the move away from a third-party provider will dramatically reduce operating costs, from more than $110,000 per month to under $15,000. The savings will directly benefit Missouri’s Crime Victims’ Compensation Fund, which helps support victims and their families, along with programs including child abuse and sexual assault forensics and the Missouri State Highway Patrol Crime Lab.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Criminal Justice Information Services will now manage the system’s data and information-sharing services. Meanwhile, the Missouri Department of Corrections will gain enhanced case management tools to improve tracking and internal operations.

Users who already receive notifications by text or email do not need to make any changes.

However, those who do not update their preferences by the May 4 deadline will need to re-register to continue receiving alerts.

To update or create a registration for court events or offenders in local custody, users can visit VINELink or contact MOVANS at movans@dps.mo.gov or call 573-526-1929.

For notifications related to offenders under the supervision of the Missouri Department of Corrections, users should contact crimevictims@doc.mo.gov or call 573-526-6516.

Officials also noted that apps such as MobilePatrol and Missouri Sheriff Connect are not affiliated with MOVANS, and users should contact those providers directly for questions.

The updated MOVANS system is designed to improve efficiency while continuing to provide critical information to victims and the public.