The Tennessee Sheriffs’ Association and the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Department have joined forces to provide an in-depth training session regarding the Statewide Automated Victim Notification Service known as SAVIN. Individuals from across East Tennessee in law enforcement, victim advocacy, legal and correction will be attending one of two sessions that provide operational instructions and training for registering victims.
Officials said, "The purpose of the program is to increase the safety of crime victims, law enforcement, criminal justice personnel and the general public by providing access to timely information concerning the custody status of offenders in county jails.
Victims and other concerned citizens can register anonymously by telephone
(888 868-4631) or register at the website to be notified in the event of an offender’s release, transfer or escape. The VINE system is provided by the sole source provider Appriss. The TSA Staff and SAVIN Governing Council, which is comprised of sheriffs representing all regions of the state, have been working hard toward implementing and promoting this service to the public."
The Tennessee Department of Finance and Administration and the Office of Criminal Justice Programs are authorized to provide an annual grant from the Victim Notification Fund to make this program possible. The 2009 Tennessee State Legislature enacted legislation, signed by the governor as Public Chapter 488, to fund this 24-hour/365 day Statewide Automated Victim Information Notification System to be operated by the Tennessee Sheriffs’ Association beginning July 1, 2010.
Officials said what makes it special, is the automatic notification feature. As long as an individual has a telephone or a computer, they can receive an automated alert anytime of the day or night, anywhere-at home or workplace; and up to five contact numbers can be entered. That kind of information could provide protection that is critically important to anyone concerned about the whereabouts of any offender.
Citizens calling 888-868-4631 are asked to provide an offender’s name and/or booking number which they can obtain from their local county jail or correctional facility. After the system has provided the relevant offender custody information, it asks the caller if they would like to register to be automatically notified when that offender is released or transferred and what manner of notification they prefer. 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 calls or to cancel any future calls if needed. Live operator assistance is available round-the-clock for callers who have questions or require additional help. General information is in both Spanish and English and interpreters are available in many languages.
All of Tennessee’s 95 county sheriff’s offices have joined the SAVIN program and have committed to promote the service. This training is designed to educate those attending to the benefits and procedures of the system.
Training Location: Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office West Annex
6233 Dayton Blvd.
Training Date: Oct. 30
Training Hours: 9-11 a.m. (Second Session) 1-3 p.m.