GLENDALE POLICE WARN VICTIMS PROGRAM WILL KEEP TRACK OF RELEASED FELONS.

Byline: Donna Huffaker Staff Writer

GLENDALE - In an effort to keep crime victims aware of their attackers' whereabouts, Glendale police have joined the Victim Information and Notification Everyday program.

Officers will be encouraged to hand out VINE pamphlets to all victims of violent crime. The pamphlets tell people how to keep track of a suspect as he moves through the justice system.

``We're trying to prevent them from being a victim a second time,'' said Merle Chandler, Glendale custody bureau administrator.

In addition to the program's value, Glendale got involved because the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, which oversees the project, pays for training and published information.

For Glendale, the first step was to connect its computers to the county's booking system, so callers can track a suspect through the booking number.

Once the suspect is jailed, the booking number is automatically transmitted to the VINE system, which victims can access anytime using a private security code. The system will call the victim at whatever number the victim chooses when the inmate is due to be released. All registrants remain anonymous.

The 2-year-old program was launched after county supervisors demanded action following the 1996 death of a pregnant teen-ager.

In the spring of 1996, Humberto Huelitl, 22, was arrested on suspicion of battering his 16-year-old girlfriend. Huelitl pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 30 days in jail. Several days after his release, Huelitl returned to the girl's home, armed with a shotgun. He killed her, her unborn child, her 2-year-old cousin and himself.

The program costs about $300,000 a year and likely will be renewed at the end of its five-year contract with the city, said Lt. Jim Oneal, who implemented the system.

``We've had more than 6,300 people register and 5,300 successful notifications. It works well - it's been proved,'' he said.

According to Chandler, Glendale police arrested more than 150 men and women last year on suspicion of felony domestic violence. There also were a considerable number of misdemeanors, he said, noting the crime is on the rise.

``So often when they get out of jail, they go right back to what they were doing to get them in jail. This program gives the victims a heads up,'' Chandler said.