Bismarck Police Announce the North Dakota SAVIN program is available in Bismarck Service notifies crime victims when offenders are released from jail
Bismarck residents now have fast access to custody information on offenders held in jails and prisons throughout the state. The Bismarck Police Department announces the recent launch of the North Dakota Statewide Automated Victim Information and Notification (ND SAVIN) system, an automated system that notifies crime victims and other concerned citizens when offenders are released, and provides around-the-clock access to offender information either by telephone or the Internet.
“Protecting the citizens of Bismarck is always our highest priority,” says Chief Keith Witt. “The North Dakota SAVIN system provides an added level of protection because it gives everyone access to timely and accurate information on offenders in our city, and throughout the state. We’re extremely pleased that this important service is available to the public.”
Users can contact the North Dakota Statewide Automated Victim Information and Notification system at 1-866-ND1-VINE (1-866-631-8463) or www.vinelink.com to track the custody status of an offender or register to be notified by phone or e-mail in the event of a transfer, release, or escape. You can also access the service through the police department’s section of the Bismarck city website at www.bismarck.org.
Live operator assistance is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for callers who have questions or require additional help. The service is free and anonymous.
“The North Dakota SAVIN system is designed with the victim in mind. It’s very user-friendly,” Chief Witt said. “What makes it special is the automatic notification feature – as long as you’ve got a telephone or a computer, you can receive an automated alert anytime of the day or night. That kind of protection is critically important to anyone who’s concerned about the whereabouts of an offender.”
The North Dakota Criminal Justice Information Sharing program has contracted with Appriss® Inc. — a Louisville, Kentucky-based technology company that provides resources to criminal justice and victims of crime — to provide the service.
North Dakota joins 37 other states that have launched statewide victim notification using Appriss technology and services.
The North Dakota Statewide Automatic Victim Information and Notification system is being funded by a Statewide Automated Victim Information and Notification (SAVIN) grant from the U.S. Bureau of Justice Assistance. Since 2005, the SAVIN grant program has nearly doubled the number of states providing automated victim notification.
About Appriss
Appriss provides innovative technology solutions that help thousands of local, state, and Federal government agencies serve and protect their citizens. Other innovative services include VINE Protective Order®, which automatically notifies petitioners when protective orders are served on respondents; JusticeXchange®, the leading solution connecting criminal justice agencies nationwide; SONAR®, an automated tool that keeps communities informed on the whereabouts of registered sex offenders; and MethCheck®, which allows law enforcement to monitor the purchases of pseudoephedrine, a key component in the manufacture of methamphetamine.
About BJA
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.
For more information contact Sergeant Mark Buschena at 355-1874.