When an arrest of a suspect is made or a warrant issued in Miami-Dade County, the victim will receive an initial postcard advising them of an event and providing other important identifying information about their criminal case. The personalized information that will appear on the first postcard will allow the victim to easily access the VAN system and obtain up-to-date case information. For example, by calling VAN, the victim can determine whether the suspect/juvenile is presently in custody and what event is scheduled to occur next in their case.

In addition, when calling the VAN number, the victim can obtain important general information by selecting the menu to the Victim Information Guide. In this menu, the victim will find detailed information on how to obtain compensation from the State Trust Fund, how to file charges, how to get child support, and what happens in a criminal or juvenile case, just to name a few.

Throughout the case, the victim will receive several postcards advising them of various events and outcomes. Each crime victim has the right to know what is happening in their criminal case. These postcards in conjunction with the VAN telephone service will provide this information. If the victim is needed to appear for any appointment or hearing, the postcard will clearly indicate where and when to appear or a subpoena will be sent. For some violent crimes, VAN will call victims, if a telephone number is available, when the defendant or juvenile is released from custody. Depending on the seriousness of the charge and the relationship between the parties involved, these calls may continue throughout the night for the first 24 hours after the offender is released. These calls can be discontinued by the victim providing some identification over the phone and following the prompts on the menu. The victim may provide the number of a relative or friend if they do not have a telephone. Do not list a telephone number that is processed through a switchboard. By using 1-800-398-2808, the victim may call VAN from any pay phone free of charge or from area codes outside of the (305) exchange.