Ohio Homeland Security Releases Safer Ohio Phone App Nearing Boston Bombing Anniversary

COLUMBUS – As the one-year anniversary of the Boston Marathon bombing approaches it is important to emphasize the public’s critical role in solving that case. Tips from the public in the aftermath of the Boston Marathon bombing led to the arrest in that horrific incident. To that end, today Ohio Homeland Security released the new Safer Ohio Phone App, which includes the “See Something, Send Something” feature, to further engage the public in contributing to a safer Ohio.

The new app is being released in time for potential use with the numerous spring and summer large-scale events across Ohio beginning this month. By using this function the general public is able to report suspicious information or activity and send photos to Ohio Homeland Security analysts. The application is available at no cost on both Android and Apple devices.

“The public’s reporting of suspicious activity is one of our best defenses against terrorist threats and our greatest resource to building resilience,” said Director John Born, Ohio Department of Public Safety. “An aware and engaged public that understands what constitutes unusual and suspicious behavior is essential to protecting our communities. And this function of the application gives citizens one more way to share this vital information.”

The application provider, My Mobile Witness, uses patent-pending privacy protection software for safeguarding the integrity of tips and citizen’s personal information. The system allows law enforcement or Ohio Homeland Security analysts to engage citizens without tracking one’s location or storing personal information. Submitted tips are immediately removed from the mobile device and purged from the My Mobile Witness system once delivered to Ohio Homeland Security for analysis.

A tutorial illustrating the application can be viewed at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qv9CZNFHYrs&feature=youtu.be

As always tips can be submitted to Ohio Homeland Security at 1-877-OHS-INTEL or for emergencies, call 911.