Sheriff’s office has launched app

Jay County Sheriff’s Office has gone mobile.

The department launched a free smartphone application this month.

“Probably one of the biggest reasons why we’re doing it is to get the information out to the public as far as everything,” said Sheriff Ray Newton.

Newton said the sheriff’s office frequently receives calls asking if family members or loved ones are at the jail. That information is now available on smartphones at the swipe of a finger, a feature that Newton believes will be a time saver for all.

“It’s a lot better, it’s easier, instead of calling (us), (they) can just look at their app and see if (they’re) looking for someone that’s in jail, or any recent bookings,” he said.

Users may hop onto the app for various information, including recent jail bookings, a list of current inmates with charges and bonds, sheriff’s sales, a map with the names and addresses of registered sex offenders in Jay County, calls for service made to the department and opioid and addiction resources. 

The app also allows users to make deposits to inmates’ commissary accounts, submit tips for ongoing investigations and send compliments or complaints for the department, among other services.

“It’s also made the application process much easier,” added chief deputy Ben Schwartz.

By tapping “Join Our Team,” individuals can apply for positions at the sheriff’s office or jail. Those applications are sent directly to the corresponding email, which Schwartz said streamlines the process.

Jay County Sheriff’s Office announced its app was available to download Sept. 11. Newton pointed out other sheriff’s offices around Indiana, including departments in Blackford, Adams and Wells counties, are beginning to use apps to make information readily available to the public. He said Jay County Sheriff’s Office has been considering the app — it is developed by thesheriffapp.com, a subsidiary of computer company OCV — for a few years but needed to figure out a way to pay for it.

Ultimately, Newton pulled the trigger on the app this year. The department paid the $15,000 startup cost out of the jail’s commissary fund, which accrues money from merchandise sales to inmates. It will also have an annual cost of about $5,000.

“This is a plus for everyone,” Newton said.

Newton talked about a few technological changes in the works for the sheriff’s office, including using the in-app notification system instead of mass notification system Rave Alert, which has an annual $12,000 service. He also mentioned the department is working with Craig Frazee of Dynamic Business Solutions to establish a new website. (Its previous site was operated through Emerald Business Solutions, a business owned by former sheriff’s office deputy Derek Bogenschutz.)

A few sections of the new app are still under maintenance, said Newton, although he shared hopes to have it fully in service by the end of September. Schwartz noted tips from the “Submit A Tip” section of the app as of last week had already led to two arrests.

Smartphone users can visit their device’s app store to download the free app labeled as Jay County Sheriff’s Office IN. 

“I just encourage the public to take advantage of this app,” said Newton. “It’s just something that I think it’s going to — the public’s going to love it, they’ll know what exactly is going on within the sheriff’s office.”