Sheriff Tim Gobble today announced the Bradley County Sheriff's Office is one of the first in Tennessee to launch SAVIN, the Statewide Automated Victim Information and Notification System, giving crime victims access to custody information on offenders throughout the state of Tennessee.
Gobble said the information is available 24 hours a day either by telephone or the Internet.
"The highest priority of the Bradley County Sheriff's Office is to protect the citizens that we serve," said Sheriff Gobble. "SAVIN provides an additional level of protection because it gives the victims of crime access to timely and accurate information on offenders in our jail and throughout the state."
People calling 888 868-4631 are asked to provide the offender's name or booking number. After the system has provided the relevant custody information, it asks the caller if they would like to register to be automatically notified when the offender is released or transferred. Those choosing to register provide a phone number and a four-digit personal identification number (PIN), which they will later use to confirm the notification call.
The jail booking office will automatically provides offender information to the statewide computer network, but for crime victims, using SAVIN is voluntary.
Live operator assistance is available around-the-clock for callers who have questions or require additional help. Citizens can also go on line at www.vinelink.com to register.
The goal of the SAVIN program is to increase public safety and improve basic criminal justice decisions by ensuring that victims are given timely and accurate information that both enhances their ability to protect themselves and ensures they are able to fully participate in the criminal justice process.
The Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice, supports law enforcement, courts, corrections, treatment, victim services, technology, and prevention initiatives that strengthen the nation's criminal justice system. BJA provides leadership, services, and funding to America's communities by emphasizing local control; building relationships in the field; developing collaborations and partnerships; promoting capacity building through planning; streamlining the administration of grants; increasing training and technical assistance, creating accountability of projects; encouraging innovation; and ultimately communicating the value of justice efforts to decision-makers at every level.