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Newton County accepts donated first-year subscription to sheriff’s app
Summary
Newton County commissioners approved accepting a donated one-year subscription to a sheriff’s office mobile app — a $2,500 annual service the vendor NCIC Communications offered to cover for the first year — that provides press releases, inmate lookup, push alerts and location tools for residents and deputies.
Newton County commissioners on Tuesday approved accepting a one-year donation to subscribe the sheriff’s office to a public-facing mobile app that officials say will increase transparency and provide emergency alerts.
Presenters described the app as offering press releases, inmate searches, commissary and visitation information, recruiting notices and a “where am I?” location tool that can push emergency notifications to residents. Staff told the court the app subscription costs $2,500 per year and that NCIC Communications had offered to pay the county’s first-year fee.
A county speaker explained the app’s emergency features and said staff plan to configure push notifications so that routine press releases do not trigger full alerts; the goal is to reserve alerts for active incidents. The court voted unanimously to accept the donation and authorize staff to finalize the subscription.
The court did not adopt further policy for how or when the sheriff’s office will use app alerts; the presenter said implementation details, button layout and final settings remain under review with the vendor.
