Commonly Asked
Questions & Answers
What is SAVAN?
SAVAN (Statewide Automated Victim Assistance and Notification) helps victims of crime get custody status and court information about offenders. It is a free 24-hour per day telephone service that is available in both English and Spanish. In addition, SAVAN automatically notifies registered victims of important events, such as the release of an inmate or scheduled court event.
How Does SAVAN Work?
SAVAN is a fully automated computer service that electronically links a National Call Center to offender custody status and court information. When new offender information is sent to the SAVAN Call Center, SAVAN compares the offender information to a list of victims who have previously registered with the service. When it finds a match it immediately places calls to the appropriate registered victim(s).
Which Offenders are Monitored by SAVAN?
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Offenders who are listed in North Carolina State and county detention facilities, or who are under community supervision, or whose cases are pending at the district attorney's office.
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An offender may be released on bail or released on his/her recognizance during arraignment. These individuals may not be considered in custody.
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SAVAN does not :
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monitor offenders being held at a police precinct or other local police facilities.
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track offenders who have "bonded out" of custody at the magistrate level and are never booked into jail.
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track offenders housed within juvenile or mental facilities.
Who Can Use the SAVAN Service?
Anyone, family, or friends or other concerned persons, may call the SAVAN hotline for custody status information. In addition, anyone may register for custody change notification directly through the SAVAN hotline. Only victims of crimes designated for services by state law may register for court event notification. Contact the local District Attorney's office for more information
How Do Victims get Information and Register?
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Victims call 1-877-NCSAVAN and follow the prompts to hear current custody status information and register for automated notification.
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Only victims of crimes designated for services by state law may register for court event notification. Victims should contact the local District Attorney's office for more information.
What Should I Tell Victims About SAVAN?
Victims should know that SAVAN is a free service that is available to assist them in determining the status of an offender. All SAVAN telephone registrations are anonymous and confidential. A SAVAN brochure will be available to victims with information on how to use the SAVAN service.
What if the offender is released from jail or prison outside of regular business hours, for example midnight on a Sunday?
The SAVAN service operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year including holidays. Any change in inmate custody will prompt the SAVAN service to call all registered victims regardless of the day or time. If an inmate is released during non-business hours, you will get a call from SAVAN.
What if the inmate is transferred out of the custody of a participating jail but is still in custody with another agency?
The SAVAN service will notify registered victims of an inmates' transfer from county jail facilities. You must call SAVAN and re-register to continue to be notified.
If you have any questions or if you need more information on SAVAN in your area, call 1-919-733-4564.
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