By Monique Roth
L’Observateur

LAPLACE — St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office launched an app for Apple and Android devices Thursday, and on Monday Records Division Supervisor Kenny Oubre said nearly 400 residents had downloaded the free tool.

Oubre said the app, available through a device’s app store by searching “St. John Sheriff,” has been in the works for about a month and allows users to submit tips to investigators through several mediums, including audio recordings, photographs and videos. He said the app also allows users to receive push notifications regarding important alerts, including breaking parish traffic news.

“It’s another tool to help get messages out and receive information,” Oubre said.

Sheriff Mike Tregre said the Sheriff’s Office is committed to taking advantage of technological advances to help residents stay informed and communicate with his office.

He said he hopes the app makes it easier for residents to aid investigations and come forward with important case details, all while fostering “a good working relationship between the public and the Sheriff’s Office.”

Tregre said the app offers several operations that allow the public to seek information about the Sheriff’s Office, including crime mapping, inmates, warrants and much more.

“We can’t do it alone,” Tregre said of fighting crime and keeping St. John safe. “We need the community’s help.”