App connects POCSO, community

NEWPORT — The Pend Oreille County Sheriff’s Office has released a free mobile app, which will allow the sheriff’s office to quickly disseminate emergency alerts and post news about missing persons, flooding, fire, traffic delays, and crime reports.

"It's important to be able to communicate with the public," said Pend Oreille County Sheriff Alan Botzheim.

In the event of an emergency, app users receive instant notification via their mobile devices. Community members can send comments and crime tips, and place calls to the POCSO Dispatch Center with the touch of a button. They can notify the agency about suspicious activity and easily send images through the app, such as graffiti they might wish to report.

Botzheim said he discovered the app during a sheriff's meeting, and was sold on it when the vendor spoke about the "See It, Say It" button and its benefit to the schools. For example, he said, if someone sees a child or something out of the ordinary during school hours, they can send the information and a photo directly to the school, giving school officials the opportunity to look into it quickly.

"That was one of the big motivators, is that ability to really partner with our schools for our kids' safety," Botzheim said.

The "See It, Say It" button provides the ability for students, parents and community members to report threats, bullying, weapons or other crimes that may occur on school campuses.

Any tips placed can be done anonymously through the app, although Botzheim said the sheriff's office prefers people to identify themselves for follow-up investigation purposes.

Those using the app can easily access the jail roster and inmate search, a photo gallery, directions, notifications and more. Botzheim said the sheriff's office can also provide sex offender information. Under the "Links" tab on the homepage, users can find links to various information and organizations, such as the Family Crisis Network, Nixle alerts, evacuation guidelines, job opportunities and area school districts. 

Botzheim said the app supports the agency’s commitment to engage with the community in a timely manner through all forms of social media. News that is distributed by the sheriff's office through the app also can be set to automatically post on the department’s social media accounts and be distributed to the news media.

"We can push out information from this app and it can populate out webpage online, so it can save us some leg work," he said.

Anyone using Android, Windows or Apple platforms can download the app by going to the App Store on their mobile device and searching for the Pend Oreille County Sheriff app. The app is not meant to replace calling 911 for crimes and emergencies in progress. Those experiencing an emergency situation should continue to call 911.

Mary Malone can be reached by email at mmalone@bonnercountydailybee.com and follow her on Twitter @MaryDailyBee.