Jackson County Sheriff’s Office unveils smartphone app

A new smartphone app from the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office gives instant access information ranging from deadbeat parents to fugitives.

The app for Android smart devices is a free download and can be found on Google Play.

“It lets us get important information right to people’s fingertips,” Sheriff Mike Sharp said in a news release.

The sheriff’s office said the app will allow the agency to channel news directly to users’ smartphones about things like missing persons, weather alerts, prisoner escapes and bank robberies.

The app is also integrated with VINELink, a national victim notification service that provides information about the custody status of those charged with crimes.

“We know that more and more people are getting the information they need from their smartphones,” Sharp said in his statement. “We want to make sure we’re using the latest communication technology to keep the public informed, and this app lets us do that.”

According to the sheriff’s office, the app also offers real-time access to detention center information as well as lists of wanted criminals or non-custodial parents with the app.

“The app greatly improves our ability to serve the public,” Sharp said, “and that’s what we’re here for.”

While the app is currently only available for Google Inc.’s Android devices, Sgt. Ronda Montgomery said efforts are under way to also make it available for Apple’s iPhone and iPad.