The automated network will allow Indiana residents to receive real-time information about the custody status of offenders in all 92 counties. They can register to be notified about an offender's placement, release, transfer or other change. There is no cost to use the service and users can access the offender information by telephone or the Internet.
"We're putting a system in place that has long been needed by the victims of crime. This is a major step forward in our efforts to protect Hoosiers," said Daniels.
Development of the program has already started and will be launched in April. Information about 80 percent of Indiana offenders will be available by the end of this year, with the remainder added in 2008. All of the 32 state prison facilities will participate, and the federal funding will cover the cost for all counties that offer the program in their communities, said Correction Commissioner J. David Donahue. All are expected to do so. Marion and Hamilton counties have notification systems in place and will join the new network.
"Users accessing the automated service can learn the offender's custody status change in real time," Donahue said.
SAVIN will be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and operators will be available around the clock to answer questions or assist callers. Crime victims are anonymous while using the system.
In the last two years, Congress approved $17 million to fund the implementation of SAVIN systems nationwide. Indiana received $1.25 million to begin and operate the program. The state, through the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute and the Department of Correction, are providing about $950,000 in matching funds.
