The Elmore County Sheriff’s Office recently launched a new, multi-purpose smart phone app for civilian use. ECSO IT Director Cory Shaw said the app officially became available on July 27, and can be found on Elmoreso.com, iTunes and the Google Play store.
Shaw said the app and the ECSO’s website were built in conjunction by Brooks Jeffrey Marketing.
According to Shaw, the app provides the ECSO’s general contact information, allows users to submit crime tips with the option of staying anonymous or leaving a return email address, sends out updates and press releases and includes a “Most Wanted” list.
Shaw said the ECSO decided to develop the app as a way reach as many people as possible in a timely manner.
“We had some incidents occur and we had people who, via social media, were asking for information. We really didn’t have what we thought at the time would be the best way to reach them, a website, an app or a Facebook,” Shaw said.
ECSO Maj. Jeremy Amerson said the app will also help to maintain accuracy, and dispel rumors that may start circulating after an incident.
“They know it’s coming from the Sheriff’s Office, and not what John or so-and-so’s saying at the corner store,” Amerson said.
In the future, Shaw said they are planning to have the Elmore County Jail’s roster available for public viewing on the app. He expected the app will help cut down on non-emergency calls made by civilians to the ECSO’s dispatch center.
Because messages sent through the app are sent to an ECSO email address, Shaw emphasized that the app is not intended for emergency purposes as the ECSO’s primary point of contact.
“It’s not monitored 24/7,” Shaw said.
Anyone who is in need of immediate assistance should dial 911 or contact the ECSO by calling 554-567-5441.
