Fighting Crime. No Superpowers Required.

On March 23, 2011, the Webb County Sheriff's Department added a new weapon to their crime fighting arsenal. This new weapon does not utilize bullets nor does it require a lengthy training, to be able to use it. Best of all this new device is available to the general public. So what is this new weapon? It is the Webb County Sheriff's Department new application entitled Eye on Laredo. 

The Eye On Laredo application is a twenty-first century upgrade to the traditional method of reporting crime in and around the City of Laredo. Upon installation and initial launch of the application, via an iTunes download, you will be prompted with a Legal Disclaimer which states that you have to agree to the application developer's policies to continue using the application. The acceptance of the application's terms and conditions is a one time process.

Once you accept the terms and conditions of the application, you will move on to a second screen. On the second screen, you will find six option buttons on display. Some of the options available are: take photographs, find locations (for this feature to function your smart phone's location services/GPS must be turned on), add description, add Voice and Email Crime Data. Perhaps the most important feature, located on the top right corner, is the Panic 911 button. With a single press you will be connected to the Webb County Sheriff's Department office.

The other functions of the buttons are self explanatory. The take a picture buttons allows you to take a picture of the assailant or crime in progress, the Find Location button provides the Sheriff's Department with the coordinates as to where the crime is taking place or if you need their assistance it will provide them with your coordinates. The Add Description button allows the user to enter basic information not provided by the photo as to which direction the perpetrator took off in or detailed information if a photo is not available such as estimated height, build, hair color, clothing individual was wearing, direction etc. The Add voice comment allows the user to send a recorded message instead of a written description. Finally the Email Crime Data button send all the information provided by the user to the Webb County Sheriff's Department. The application also allows the user to delete any portion filled out et., take a picture, add description.

This application is only available on the IPhone, but expansion to other smart phone operating systems i.e. Android can be expected to come out later this year. More information about this application and others provided by the Webb County Sheriff's Department can be found at the Sheriff's web page or by clicking HERE.  You can also contact the Webb County Sheriff's Department at 956-523-4500 or stopping by their Headquarters at 902 Victoria Street Laredo, Texas 78040.

(Gilbert Banuelos may be contacted at gilbert32@live.com)