Award Information
Description of original award (Fiscal Year 2007, $500,000)
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.
In 1988, Arkansas legislation mandated the implementation of a statewide automated victim notification program to assist Arkansas crime victims and the general public with information about an offender's court case and/or custody status. The State contracted with the nationally recognized organization, Apriss, Inc., to deploy its Victim Information and Notification Everyday (VINE) system. Arkansas was one of the first states to implement such a statewide system. The Arkansas Department of Corrections (ADOC) and the Arkansas Department of Community Corrections (ADCC) currently operate and maintain an electronic offender management information system (eOMIS), which is currently interfaced with VINE. The VINE, however, does not track sex offender data, and does not notify citizens of the movement of large populations resulting from natural disasters, or provide information on escapees from the DOC.
The ADOC proposes five project objectives that will enhance the State's existing VINE service: (1) add sex offender notification ability, (2) provide notifications on movements of sex offenders in the event of a natural disaster or emergency situation, (3) develop an area notification for escapees from the ADOC, (4) add inmate/client photos on VINELink, and (5) hire an inter-agency victim services program coordinator. Federal funds will be applied to personnel and fringe benefits, travel costs associated with in and out of state conference attendance, and contractual services.
CA/NCF