Gov. Linda Lingle yesterday announced a statewide automated notification service to quickly provide information to victims of crime.

The 24-hour service called SAVIN, or Statewide Automated Victim Information and Notification, will allow Island crime victims to register to be notified by phone or e-mail when a criminal escapes or is transferred, paroled or released.

"This program will ensure that Hawai'i crime victims receive accurate and real-time information regarding the status of offenders and events related to their case," Lingle said.

State Public Safety Director Clayton Frank was on hand for the announcement.

"The goal is to provide Hawai'i crime victims and their families with timely and reliable information, which will allow them to protect themselves and continue to participate in the criminal justice process," Frank said.

Once SAVIN begins Feb. 28, users will also be able to call toll free or visit a Web site to get up-to-date information on an offender's status.

SAVIN will be developed and implemented using a $706,664 U.S. Department of Justice grant that was awarded to the Department of Public Safety. It also received two federal Victims of Crime Act grants, totaling $390,000, to start the program.