FRESNO (KMJ) — The power of Fresno County Sheriff’s Office is now available to download.
Sheriff Margaret Mims announced her office’s new app Friday morning, describing it as the latest effort to keep up with the times.
“More people will have the ability to get first hand information from us directly, and I think that’s important,” explains Sheriff Mims.
“You might be out of town and receive a notification. Rather than having to wait until you get back home to find out what’s going on, you’re going to be able to make whatever arrangements you need to make…instant information.”
The app’s functions include reporting graffiti, requesting house checks, applying for CCW permits, reporting crimes online, accessing the “Megan’s Law” database, and reviewing crime activity for specific neighborhoods.
“I’ve had it on my phone for about three weeks now. I’ve tested it and it works pretty good. It’s very convenient,” reveals Sheriff Mims.
“It’s just another way to reach out, make contact, and keep in touch with our community.”
But there was another technological tool also unveiled by Fresno County Sheriff’s Office.
“Preparation is very important, but you need to know what to be prepared for. We have a new notification system called Everbridge. This is an opt-in application,” adds Sheriff Mims.
“So you opt-in, you register, and then you receive information about things that are going on including fires, any kind of natural disaster, or information in general about what’s happening in Fresno County.”
Sheriff Mims describes it as the modern-day equivalent of the Civil Defense sirens. Signing up to Everbridge also gives Fresno County Sheriff’s Office the ability to distribute emergency messages on a regional basis via the FEMA developed “IPAWS” system.
“That stands for ‘Integrated Public Alert And Warning System’, and that’s a long name so ‘IPAWS’ is easier to remember.”
The app cost Fresno County Sheriff’s Office a one-time fee of $2,450 to develop, with an annual subscription cost of $1,900 to cover maintenance and software updates.
A link to download the app on the Google Play store can be found clicking here and to download it on Apple’s App Store can be found clicking here. A link to sign up for Everbridge can be found clicking here.
Hear the report from KMJ’s Dominic McAndrew as it aired:
