What to Know
- Broward Sheriff’s Office officials are releasing the “Safer Watch” app which will link those who have downloaded it to deputies.
- Users can send text messages as well as photos, video and audio clips about possible threats as well as allowing them to record incidents.
Over six months after one of the deadliest school shootings in U.S. history took place in their own backyard, Broward County law enforcement is unveiling a new app aimed at helping students and staff report potential threats to police quicker.
Broward Sheriff’s Office officials are releasing the “Safer Watch” app which will link those who have downloaded it to deputies and investigators within the agency.
"They can remain anonymous, they don’t have to be afraid," BSO Sheriff Scott Israel.
Users can send text messages as well as photos, video and audio clips about possible threats as well as allowing them to record incidents that take place on campus.
"You could talk about something that happened in the past or having information about something that could potentially happen in the future," said BSO Major Jonathan Appel. "We’ve already received actionable intelligence. We been able to provide services to a student in Broward County that in a traditional format might not have reached out to law enforcement."
Over 1,000 people have downloaded the app so far in Broward County, while other districts across the country also take part in the technology.
Local
BSO officials, including Israel, have come under fire in the months following the deaths of 17 students and staff inside Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland on February 14th.
