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Pocono News Section
Bradford County Joins Crime Victim's Notification Network
Bradford County Joins Crime Victim's Notification Network - Wednesday, May 21, 2008 at 5:22PM EST
Reported by: Eric Deabill
Wednesday, May 21, 2008 @ 05:22pm EST
BURLINGTON, BRADFORD COUNTY - Crime victims in Bradford County have a new place to turn. They can now get up to date information on their offender anytime they want it. Bradford County is the latest region to join the PA Savin program. The notification system gives information on releases, transfers or escapes.
"It decreases the opportunity for that mistake, that missed call or if we didn't make the call quick enough. It's an automated service. We're really excited about it," Bradford County sheriff Steve Evans said.
Last year, Bradford County released 1,000 inmates alone. That took time and money to notify all of the victims. As of Wednesday afternoon, the information is just a phone call away. In Pennsylvania's second biggest county by size, entering PA Savin brings technology to the rural area.
"We are light years ahead of where we were yesterday. Its phenominal in terms of notification," Victim Witness coordinator Francine Griffin said.
Organizers with the PA Savin program say another benefit of the program is that it doesn't cost taxpayers any money. The pricetag is picked-up by a federal grant.
Twenty-seven other counties across Pennsylvania are currently in the network, including ten in northeastern and central Pennsylvania. Officials are hoping to have all the others online by October.
"Just about every county that has a jail that is not on yet, is diligently working to launch this system before the end of the year," B. J. Horn of the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime said.
For information on the PA Savin program, call 1-866-9PA-SAVIN. You can also log onto www. pacrimevictims. state. pa. us. | | |
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