By Linda Cicoira
A new app will alert residents of crimes and allow the public to give anonymous tips to the Northampton County Sheriff’s Office and the public school system, Sheriff David Doughty announced Tuesday.
“We are working every day to continue to strengthen our relationship with the community,” he continued. “It has been my mission, since day one, as your sheriff to make Northampton County as safe as it can be. I see this as a great way for our citizens to become involved with helping us make Northampton County a safe place to live, work, play, and raise our families.”
The free app can be downloaded from Apple’s App Store and the Google Play Store by searching for Northampton Sheriff. It is not intended to be used in emergencies or to replace calling 911, Doughty said.
Residents can also send tips from any computer or tablet by going to www.tip411. com/agencies/northamptoncosheriff/ groups/21736
Doughty said through the program, “Specific neighborhood-ZIP code crime alert messages can be used to inform the public about road closures and weather events such a hurricane.”
The app will give students a way to anonymously communicate with school officials and police on issues that pose a threat to the safety of their fellow students, teachers, and other school staff.
Tips can also be sent by calling 757- 678-0458 or by text message to 847411 and beginning the message with NCSO.
If the tip is a school-related issue, it will be received by the sheriff’s office, school administrator, and school resource officer. If the tip is related to a law enforcement issue in the community, it will be only be received only by the sheriff’s office.
The person submitting the tip will receive confirmation it was received and can then respond with additional information, including photos or videos. The person giving the tip will have direct communication with a worker or officer and may cut that line at any time
