GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) – A new smartphone app is providing Brown County residents with information on real-time local crime and safety information.
Lt. Kevin Pawlak of the Brown County Sheriff’s Department says Neighbors by Ring already has millions of users and it has already been proven successful.
“Say we have a rash of vehicle break-ins or suspicious behavior. we can put out an alert to people within let’s say a three-mile radius.”
Green Bay Police Department starting having residents use the app last year.
Lt. Pawlak says the app is especially useful because it corresponds with many home security camera systems.
“Most people have these kinds of devices for when they are not home, and that is when these kinds of crimes happen.”Those who are interested can download the app.
Information that is provided from the app is based on geographical location.
With the new technology, Brown County Sheriff’s Office will be able to send alerts to Neighbors about local crime and safety incidents in the area in real time as well as request information about local crime and safety situations from Neighbors who opt-in to sharing.
Pawlak says all of this will help build trust and make neighborhoods safer.
The app is not designed to replace 911. Residents are still encouraged to contact police though official department channels if they notice a crime or have an emergency.
All of the tips shared via the app are anonymous unless residents choose to identify themselves.
Details on how to become a user can be found here.
Residents can text ‘browncountywi’ to 555888 from their smartphone to download the Neighbors app for free on iOS and Android and use the app to; join their neighborhood, share crime and safety-related videos, photos and text-based posts; and receive real-time safety alerts from their neighbors, and the Brown County Sheriff’s Office.
How It Works
Opt-in to join your neighborhood.Customize the geographic area you want to receive notifications for (users must verify where theyare located and cannot participate in other neighborhoods).Receive real-time alerts from your neighbors, local law enforcement and the Ring team thatinforms of crime and safety alerts as they happen.View local crime and safety posts via a live feed or interactive map.Share text updates, photos and videos taken on any device, including Ring’s home securitydevices.Work with your community to make neighborhoods safer.
