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

The 24-hour service 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.

Lingle says the program called SAVIN will ensure crime victims receive accurate and real-time information regarding the status of offenders and events related to their case.

State Public Safety Director Clayton Frank says the goal is to provide victims and their families with information that will allow them to protect themselves.

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.