New app connects community to law enforcement

The “See Something, Send Something” app can now be utilized to make Perkins County a safer place through the collaboration of its citizens and law enforcement. 

Perkins County Sheriff’s Office has recently chosen to implement the free app to increase their ability to effectively communicate with the public.  

App users can submit tips to PCSO, anonymously or otherwise, through the app. PCSO then has the ability to communicate with the user through live two-way chat if they would like to receive more information. Users also have the ability to see the status of their tip as PCSO works it through their investigative workflow.

Users can submit a quick tip that can include videos, photos and a short narrative, or a detailed tip which can include videos, pictures, attachments, person and vehicle information and a narrative. 

Another benefit of the app is that PCSO can notify users of suspicious incidents, vehicle accidents affecting traffic or potentially hazardous conditions through the app using location-based services. 

PCSO interacts with the app through a web portal. They can create notifications, review tips submitted and manage those tips for investigation and follow-up.

PC Sheriff Jim Brueggeman said the app is utilized all over, so if users are passing through another area, they can also submit tips in those areas. 

“I encourage everyone to use the “See Something Send Something” program being offered by the Perkins County Sheriffs Office. The program is another tool we can offer the public to engage with law enforcement to keep Perkins County safe,” Brueggeman said.

In an emergency, citizens should always dial 911. 

In addition to the app, citizens can report a non-emergency to PCSO by dialing 308-352-7500. 

Download the app from the App Store or Google Play. 

Creation

In early 2017, Kevin Angell, CEO and founder of the “See Something, Send Something” app, scratched out some drawings for an app that would allow law enforcement to create location-based notifications, then solicit information on suspicious or criminal activity while providing an anonymous or self-identified ecosystem to communication with the tipster in real-time. 

“Looking at high profile missing children cases over the last decade we see several incidents where people saw a child that appeared distressed but didn’t know what to do. Imagine if they snapped a picture and my app compared the child’s face to those listed with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children”, explained Angell. “As a parent myself...that’s priceless.”