Sheriffs want feedback on phone app

The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is turning to the public for feedback on a potential phone app the department may utilize in order to relay pertinent information to the community.

“It’s something we’ve been thinking about for quite a while,” said Sheriff Frank Leonbruno. “Since I’ve become sheriff we’ve increased our use of Facebook as a means to get information out to the public about things we’re doing so people see what’s going on.

“The sheriff’s office touches every aspect of people’s lives whether through jail operations, 911 dispatch, patrols, or the courts,” he added. “Since we touch so many parts, it’s important to get information out.”

The department’s social media presence has allowed it to widely disseminate information quicker than means in the past. It has a wide reach with over 34,000

followers on its Facebook page, but as Leonbruno explains, “Not everybody has Facebook, but everybody has a phone.”

The Sheriff’s Office is in the developmental stage with a phone app developer which aims to address that very oversight.

“We think we found the partner to work with,” Leonbruno said.

The application, which every resident within the Sheriff’s Office jurisdiction would be able to utilize, would inform them on a number of news items, tips, public safety concerns and more. The Sheriff’s Office is seeking feedback on what they would like to see within the app.

“We’re at the stage where we have to identify what we want to have on the app. I thought ‘why not ask our citizens?’”

Leonbruno has since made a request on the department’s Facebook page soliciting insight from the community. He said the response has been “fantastic.”

“People want a way to report crimes, like tip lines,” he said. “They like seeing the most wanted (criminals). They want to see press releases, and updates on road closures or accidents so they can avoid them. They want security tips and ways to get info on safety and security for their families.”

Leonbruno said that they are currently in a developmental stage and are still working out where funding would directly come from. He underscores that he wants citizens to be able to download the app to their phone without any charge.

He intends to move forward with the project within a month once they gather more public feedback and then have the app up and running within two months.

Those interested in giving feedback or learning more can visit Lake County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page.