West Hillsborough News

From March 08, 2023 Post.

NEW VSO ATLAS ONE APP AVAILABLE FOR VOLUSIA RESIDENTS & VISITORS

The Volusia Sheriff’s Office is rolling out a new mobile app to further connect, inform and engage with the public: Atlas One, free for download on iOS and Android.

The new Atlas One app will replace SaferWatch, which is being phased out this week. SaferWatch users are asked to download Atlas One today and create an account to continue receiving information like Air One alerts.

Atlas One offers a variety of resources in addition to real-time alerts based on a user’s location. The app can also accept crime tips, photo/video evidence and other messages that can be routed to the appropriate deputy, detective, or other personnel.

While the app has a host of features to help enhance public safety, the Sheriff’s Office is still encouraging users to call 911 in an emergency. Even with the availability of an app, 911 is the preferred contact method for anyone in need of law enforcement, fire or emergency medical response in Volusia County.

VSO is the first Sheriff’s Office in Florida to offer Atlas One to its residents. The Fort Myers Police Department became the first public safety agency in Florida to deploy it in June 2022.

During the initial launch of Atlas One, VSO will primarily use the app to send alerts when the Air One helicopter is overhead in a user’s general area. The app also connects users to VSO’s social media and website, where information on in-progress calls is frequently posted.

Atlas One is just the latest tool VSO is deploying to push information to the public. The agency also uses Everbridge to send emergency alerts and reverse 911s to residents based on geographic location.

How Atlas One Works

· Download the free iOS or Android Atlas One App

· Tap “GET STARTED” to create your Atlas One profile

· Share your location or add favorite places that you want to track

· If an alert occurs nearby your current location, the app will send a push notification alert

· If you have a crime tip or evidence, easily share text, photos, and videos with VSO

Original source can be found here.