Developing and Enhancing Statewide Automated Victim Information and Notification (SAVIN) Program

The Statewide Automated Victim Information and Notification (SAVIN) program ensures victims of crime receive accurate and timely information regarding the status of offenders and events related to the case. Through SAVIN, victims are able to participate in the judicial process and make sound decisions to protect themselves from further victimization while maintaining total anonymity. This information-sharing capability is also available to courts, corrections, and law enforcement officials.

California legislation mandates that victims of crime receive accurate and timely information regarding the status of violent (felony) offenders (e.g., custody release). In support of this legislation, the California State Sheriff's Association (CSSA) will serve as the State's lead agency to implement a state-wide victim notification system by utilizing the 2007 SAVIN funding. California has 17 county sheriffs' departments utilizing an automated victim notification system that is currently being supported through the VINE service, which is operated by the national network provider, Appriss (based in Louisville, Kentucky). The State will utilize these funds to fully automate the remaining 41 counties by executing a sole source contract with Appriss. The State will benefit from the SAVIN Program as many local sheriffs, especially in rural areas, do not have the monetary resources or the technology to provide automated victim notification autonomously. SAVIN technology will help provide a smooth and seamless integration of all data into one statewide system and will allow the CSSA to provide one statewide toll-free number for victim access and notification.

Appriss will work with CSSA and the participating agencies to implement and operate the proposed service. This will include the deployment of Global Justice XML Data Model (GJXDM) compliant adapters to each of the participating jails and the set-up of the required data network to transmit offender transactions to the vendor's notification center. Appriss will be responsible for the deployment and maintenance of the network, including all inbound and outbound communication services with victims. Communication services will include telephone, email, internet, and 24/7 live operator access. SAVIN funds will cover: personnel and fringe (two positions to oversee the implementation of this project); travel (in-state regional trainings and out-of-state vendor site meetings); supplies (general office supplies, computers and software licenses, and internet related costs); a two-year contractual service with the selected vendor; other costs (printing, meeting room rental, food/beverage at local trainings, etc.); and general overhead expenses.

CA/NCF