NATCHEZ — A new service in Adams County aims to provide victims of crime with peace of mind and arm them with information.

The Statewide Automated Victim Information and Notification system, called SAVIN, is an automated phone and Internet service that notifies crime victims when offenders move forward in the criminal justice system.

Sheriff Chuck Mayfield said Adams County got online with the service two weeks ago.

From booking to release, victims can register for immediate access to inmate information including notification about an inmate’s placement, release, transfer or other change in custody status.

Currently, 72 Mississippi counties are participating the nationwide program, which operates through the Mississippi Department of Corrections, Mayfield said. The Bureau of Justice Assistance Office of Justice Programs funds the service.

The goal of SAVIN is to increase public safety and improve basic criminal justice decisions by ensuring victims are given timely and accurate information.

The information will help keep victims safe and allow them to fully participate in the criminal justice process, an Adams County Sheriff’s Office press release said.

Users can call 1-888-9-MSSAVIN or log onto www.vinelink.com to use the service. Custody information will be made available by providing an offender’s name or booking number, and users can register contact information to receive automatic updates.

Mayfield he is pleased to be able to provide a service to crime victims, who often seem to be “thrown to the wind” in the criminal justice system.

“(The sheriff’s administration) has really pushing victims’ assistance,” Mayfield said.

Mayfield said Karren Ewing, the victims’ assistance coordinator for Adams County, can help victims set up SAVIN accounts and answer questions.

Live operator assistance is also available at all times for callers who need additional help.

“(SAVIN) is very user friendly,” Mayfield said.

The sheriff said victims can feel comforted by the 24-7 access to information about an offenders release — even if just for peace-of-mind.

“If you wake up, panicking in the middle of the night because you hear a noise outside, you can call (for reassurance),” he said.