Valdez, AK – Valdez Police Department recently joined the Neighbors App by Ring as an additional way to connect with and serve the Valdez community, neighborhood by neighborhood. The free Neighbors App allows Valdez residents, even those without installed Ring devices, to connect with their neighbors and stay informed about what is going on in their “neighborhood” (within a radius of up to five miles). Residents can post, share and update important crime and safety related information, such as suspected thefts, bear activity or lost pets. By joining the service, VPD can also share important neighborhood-based crime and safety information with residents, respond to tips and request assistance with active investigations. Highlights of the Neighbors App: • Downloading and using the Neighbors App is free for both residents and local law enforcement. • Residents can download and use the app even if they do not own a Ring device. • Ring device owners do not have to engage with Neighbors App. • Resident users can participate on the app anonymously. • Law enforcement can use the app to request assistance with active investigations. Users retain absolute control to determine whether they may have potentially relevant imagery. • Residents can voluntarily choose to share photos or video taken with Ring brand cameras, smartphones and other devices with their neighbors or in response to a law enforcement assistance request. Users can also opt out of receiving requests. • Ring does not disclose how many users received a request, who declined to share or which users opted out. Law enforcement must still obtain warrants and follow other lawful processes to obtain imagery or data which is not provided voluntarily. • Law enforcement does not have access to users’ cameras or devices, nor does Ring provide law enforcement with physical addresses of users or even how many Ring devices are physically located in Valdez. • VPD’s participation in the service complements city-wide emergency notification systems already in place, such as NIXLE. Do you plan to sign-up for the Neighbors App following the holidays? Do you want to learn more about the features of the app? Please join the Valdez Police Department for a town hall meeting on Thursday, January 9, 2020 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in Valdez City Council Chambers. VPD representatives will be available to demonstrate how the app works and answer residents’ questions.
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