Phone app connects community to sheriff

On June 2 the Rock County sheriff’s office became the first in Minnesota to have its own phone app to communicate with the public.
“Rock County Sheriff’s Office MN” is free through app stores.
At their June 2 meeting, Rock County Commissioners approved an annual support fee of $2,995 with OCV, LLC of Auburn, Alabama.
Sheriff Evan Verbrugge said the phone app is funded through the department’s E911 fund.
“In my business, the notification with people has to evolve, and this allows us to push out information immediately and effectively,” he told commissioners.
The interactive app is downloadable to any smartphone, and about 90 percent of residents own smartphones, Verbrugge said. People check their phones multiple times a day.
The app continues the department’s outreach activities and complements the department’s use of Nixel and Facebook. What makes the app different is that it’s interactive.
Users can report crimes (including the upload of pictures), submit tips, and apply for permits.
The app also displays current inmate information along with outstanding warrants, and the public can tip law enforcement to the wanted person’s location through the app.
“The number of warrants needs to be whittled down,” Verbrugge said.
Most warrants were issued when individuals did not appear for their court dates, added county attorney Jeff Haubrich.
OCV, LLC was created in 2011 and has developed mobile apps for law enforcement, public safety, emergency management and public health agencies throughout 40 states and Canadian providences.