FRANKLIN COUNTY (KFSM) - A cellphone app that could help people in dangerous situations is being used by several law enforcement agencies nationwide. Closer to home, the Franklin County Sheriff's Office has started using the new software.
The app called "QuikTip" gives the community an alternative way to communicate with the sheriff's office when there's an emergency instead of always having to dial 911.
The Franklin County Sheriff's Office wants this tool to provide folks with an easy and simple way to communicate. They're hoping that it will save property, and even save lives by providing the sheriff's office instant access to first-hand information.
When using the app, QuikTip will first ask you to send a tip or concern. It also gives you the option to send a picture as well. Then at the very end, it will ask you if want to stay anonymous or not.
After sending in your tip, the information will immediately go to the sheriff, chief deputy and dispatch. They will also respond to the tip provided in a timely manner.
Not only can you use the app to report a tip, it's also good to use during an emergency situation. Quiktip will give you alerts on your cell phone during local road closings, weather alerts, and or when a potentially dangerous situation is happening in the area.
Deputies are looking forward to having this app too. The app will help them get information quicker and help keep some people calmer, rather than having to talk to dispatchers on the phone when dialing 911. "Some people are scared to call us for help and they don't want to get involved in situations," said Tina James, Jail Sergeant.
The Franklin County Sheriff's Office is hoping that it will save people time and maybe even save lives making the community a safer place overall. "Of course 911 is always first, but this will be another way to contact us," said Sgt. James.
To download the app, go to the Apple App Store or Google Play. The app is free and can be used on your iPhone or Android. To learn more about QuikTip, click here.