WESTFIELD-As smart technology continues to transform our lives – and homes – the Westfield Police Department is hopeful city residents will consider downloading the Neighbors App by Ring.
“We have teamed up with Ring to be able to better protect our citizens and community through the Neighbors App,” said Lt. Stephen Dickinson, commander of the Westfield Detective Bureau.
Dickinson noted the initiative went into effect Dec. 13 and pointed out that downloading the Neighbors App is entirely voluntary and does not give the department access to a resident’s camera systems or videos.
The Neighbors App by Ring is a free app designed to help community members connect and stay informed about what’s going on around them – whether they own a Ring device or not. The Westfield Police Department has teamed up with Ring through the Neighbors App.
“You do not need a Ring system to join the app and you can upload video from any system,” said Dickinson. “When you see something that you feel is out of the ordinary, or if we are looking for video in a certain area at a certain time, we can now connect through the Neighbors app and exchange information as well as video.”
Police Chief Lawrence Valliere shared a similar sentiment.
“The community is the eyes and ears for law enforcement,” said Valliere, adding, “they know what is unique to their environment.”
Valliere said when he talks to city residents some individuals prefer not to “bother” the police department.
“Our mission is community service first,” said Valliere. “I stress to people in person or on the phone that they are never bothering us. Many times if we had information that was relevant at the time of an incident it can really make the difference.”
Dickinson said the Westfield Detective Bureau’s Facebook page has been well received and has opened up a communication network between the public and police. A link to the Neighbors App from the Facebook page provides details about the program as well as alleviates any user privacy concerns.
“I want people to know we don’t have access to their videos unless they choose to share them,” said Dickinson, describing the Neighbors App as a “bulletin board where we can communicate.”
For city residents who do not have technology to download the app, Dickinson said the detective bureau is available to also take calls. The day shift includes Dickinson, as well as detectives Todd Edwards, Anthony Tsatsos and Jason Williams. The evening shift includes Sgt. Scott Phelon, as well as detectives Andrew Cekovsky, Brian Freeman, Rick Mazza and James Renaudette. Effective Jan. 1, detective Scott Schuster joins the department.
“We can’t be everywhere at once so we encourage the community to reach out to us through any social media, Facebook, our community service unit in the downtown area, texting or calling the main office at (413) 572-6400,” said Dickinson.
Valliere concurred.
“We need information from the community on an ongoing basis and pictures and videos in a timely manner really makes the difference,” said Valliere.
For more information on the public’s role as well as the role of the police department with the Neighbors App, visit https://www.facebook.com/westfielddetectivebureau/menu.
“We are looking forward to connecting with the community,” said Dickinson.
