Montco sheriff unveils mobile phone app
“Advancing technology that best serves our constituents has always been one of my priorities.” — Montgomery County Sheriff Sean P. Kilkenny
NORRISTOWN » Getting the latest news from the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office just got a little easier with the rollout of a mobile phone app that keeps citizens informed.
The app, unveiled by county Sheriff Sean P. Kilkenny on Monday, provides one-touch access to the office’s services and news, and is available to download for free on iOS and Android platforms.
“Advancing technology that best serves our constituents has always been one of my priorities,” Kilkenny said.
Kilkenny said partnering with OCV, LLC TheSheriffApp.com, which specializes in developing products for public safety, emergency management and sheriff’s departments, created a perfect opportunity for the office “to deliver a solution which improves communications and experiences with our office.” Other sheriff’s offices that use the technology include Berks, Delaware, York and Lancaster counties. Norristown Borough also uses the technology, officials said.
The cost to develop the app for the sheriff’s department, which includes a three-year maintenance contract and marketing materials, was $44,775. Officials said a technology improvement grant obtained by the county was used to pay for the development of the app.
Officials said the app will help the office save time and resources. Information and notifications can be posted on multiple channels, such as the web and social media sites, through a single control panel instead of entering data on each platform.
Users will be able to submit tips, view the sheriff’s “Most Wanted List” and get up-to-date information about upcoming sheriff’s sales. Users also will be able to get breaking news, the latest information needed to stay safe and updates directly on their phones by using the app.
“People will be able to send us anonymous tips straight from the app without having to go through a social media account or email,” explained Lieutenant Joanne Lawlor of the office’s warrants and transportation divisions.
The app uses a push notification system and users can choose the categories they would prefer to be notified about when alerts are sent.
For more information about the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office visit www.montcopa.org/sheriff