Understanding the Criminal Justice System
The expression “there’s an app for that” is so commonplace that it’s easy to forget it’s a trademarked Apple slogan-and although it’s over a decade old, it’s truer than ever. In 2021, some 230 billion apps were downloaded worldwide.
Now, law enforcement offices around the state are launching their own apps with the aim of bettering communication with the public.
There’s another household saying you’re probably familiar with: “If you see something, say something.” This one originated after 9/11 as a Homeland Security initiative, but it’s widely applicable. And it’s just what the Kokomo Police Department wants residents to do by using its new app, Kokomo PD-although in this case, it’s perhaps more apt to say, “if you see something, click something.”
This free app allows users to report a crime in progress, a photo, a video, a tip, or any other information. Officers can respond in real-time to gather details. Tipsters remain anonymous throughout the process, and KPD Major Brian Seldon promises that the department “…will follow up on every tip we receive through the app.”
Captain Jordan Buckley of the Howard County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) says that their eponymous app is like a “one-stop shop” for submitting anonymous tips, looking up information about the county jail and its inmates, and staying abreast of sex offenders’ locations.
Buckley also emphasizes the app’s round-the-clock service, which gives residents more options for communicating with law enforcement and vice versa.
Like the Kokomo PD app, the HCSO app is free to download and allows users to connect with the sheriff’s department with full anonymity.
Technology is ever-evolving, and while using apps to access law enforcement agencies will undoubtedly prove to be a boon, there are also some potential pitfalls. The anonymous nature of these apps means that some unscrupulous people will misuse them-and that some innocent people may be unfairly targeted.
If you are accused of a crime reported via app, know that you have some recourse. At Razumich & Associates, we make it a point to stay up-to-date with emerging technology so that we can help. Get started by calling us at 317-983-5333 or contacting us to learn more, ask questions, or schedule a consultation.
