Stokes County sheriff touts new records software, app and midyear stats

Stokes County Sheriff Eric presented a midyear update to the Board of Commissioners on Aug. 25, outlining new technology, community outreach and operational statistics for Jan. 1–June 30.

Eric said the sheriff’s office moved to Southern Software last August for records and jail management, allowing deputies in patrol cars to complete reports in the field and enabling online inmate booking information: “Now citizens can go to the sheriff's office website, click on the jail link, and they can look up people that are online,” he said. The office also implemented wireless booking tablets to photograph and document bookings in the jail.

The department launched a Sheriff’s app, Citizens Connect, that includes news, event information and an alerts sign-up for residents. Eric said the tip-submission feature has generated 36 submissions since June 4 and that the system routes tips to the appropriate unit.

Eric gave operational figures for the six-month period: 9,486 calls for service handled by the communications center, 643 jail bookings with 611 releases, and the sheriff’s office participation in multiagency public-safety events and training. He highlighted a three-day, multiagency active-shooter drill that drew about 200 participants, including school administrators, EMS and state partners.

Commissioners praised the report and asked follow-up questions about NIBRS categorization and crime-classification nuances. The presentation concluded with the sheriff offering continued outreach and use of the app and online services.

Next step: commissioners will consider broader county use of similar notification tools and continue oversight of technology implementation.