Issue link: https://let.epubxp.com/i/272218
6 Law Enforcement Technology March 2014 www.officer.com Sara Schreiber Editor For questions, news tips and comments, e-mail editor@letonline.com. App magic I f you're tiring of the phrase 'There's an app for that,' you may want to cover your ears for the next couple years or so. As it happens, the apps keep coming. And they are evolving to become handier—and smarter— than ever. Many sheriff and police departments are even creating their own. Late last year Tampa PD came out with a brand new agency app in an effort to better connect with their handheld device- loving community. They currently have tens of thousands of downloads, and the number is climbing. Consider an agency-specific app to be like your PD website on steroids. Yes, all the directory and contact info is there, but so are videos and photos of suspects in unsolved crimes. When someone downloads the app they can send in tips, questions and requests from wherever they happen to be. Citizens using Tampa's app also have the option to list valuables in their home, along with serial numbers and photos, and store the info on their phone. In the event of a robbery, this itemized list can be forwarded to police and the insurance company. In addition, the Florida agency is working on GPS locations for the homes of area regis- tered sex offenders. Some companies make it their busi- ness to focus specifically on helping cre- ate apps for law enforcement agencies. Even more help law enforcement har- ness the power of apps with customized programs specifically created for public safety efforts. We list a few of these in "Apps on patrol" (page 24). In the story "4 industry trends to watch", (page 36) Veteran Chief William L. Harvey mentions a couple of his personal favorites, including a hazardous materials guide that replaces the beloved (but substantial) orange reference book. If the whole concept of smartphone as duty gear doesn't pique your interest, maybe the idea of freeing up some valuable glove compartment space will. Then again, we realize you'll never need to charge that big old reference book. Love them or hate them, we can't help but feel that smartphones do offer a bit of an advantage when it comes to quick-reference materials and commu- nication at our fingertips. Do you have a favorite go-to app? Tell us what it is and how it helps you on the job. ■ Cygnus Business Media John French, Chief Executive Officer Paul Bonaiuto, Chief Financial Officer Ed Wood, Vice President of Human Resources Julie Nachtigal, Vice President of Audience Development Eric Kammerzelt, Vice President of Technology Curt Pordes, Vice President of Production Operations Ed Nichols, VP of Events Cygnus Business Media 1233 Janesville Ave. Fort Atkinson, WI 53538 Phone: (800) 547-7377 Editorial e-mail: editor@letonline.com Fax: (920) 563-1702 Web site: www.officer.com Integrated Media Consultants Scott Bieda, Executive Vice President of Public Safety & Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (800) 547-7377 Ext. 2725 Michael George, Publisher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (800) 547-7377 Ext. 1143 Kelly Bisco, Associate Publisher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (800) 547-7377 Ext. 1360 Nick Palasini . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (800) 547-7377 Ext. 1676 Lindsey Gajewski. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (800) 547-7377 Ext. 1354 Nikki Becker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (800) 547-7377 Ext. 1317 Classified Ad Sales (800) 547-7377 Ext. 1326 Classified Ad Fax: (920) 328-9003 List Rental Elizabeth Jackson, Merit Direct LLC (847) 492-1350 Ext. 18, Fax: (847) 492-0085 E-mail: ejackson@meritdirect.com Web site: meritdirect.com/cygnus Reprint Services To purchase article reprints please contact Nick Iademarco at Wright's Media at (877) 652-5295 Ext. 102 or e-mail niademarco@wrightsmedia.com. Editorial Director Frank Borelli Editors Sara Schreiber Jonathan Kozlowski Contributing Editors Lindsey Bertomen Carole Moore Senior Art Director — Public Safety & Security Bobbi Burow Media Production Representative Connie Heffron Audience Development Manager Sharon Haberkorn For subscription information or change of address please call (877) 382-9187 or (847) 559-7598, fax (800) 543-5055 or e-mail circ.LETmag@omeda.com. L A W MEDIA CYGNUS E D I T O R ' S L O G LET_06-07_EditLog0314.indd 6 2/24/14 10:40 AM