By Tamas Mondovics
Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office was pleased to announce a couple of new tools to help residents assist the department as well as to be on alert. The first of two new tools to help keep the county safe is tip411.
After downloading the app, which can be found on the Apple App store or Google Play, to a smartphone or a tablet users can just type in “HCSOSHERIFF” (no space).
“Tip411 is easy to use and its super quick,” said Master Deputy Jerry Carry. “To send a tip, press ‘New Tip’. A photograph or video may also be included just by touching the camera icon at the bottom of the page.”
All tips are transmitted instantly to the Sheriff’s Office Communications Center, where the information is directed to the appropriate area, such as patrol, narcotics or warrants, just to name a few.
Tip411 is monitored 24 hours a day, seven days a week and all tips are anonymous.
Of course, the department wants all to remember that in the event of an emergency, always dial 9-1-1.
Local residents didn’t waste time using the new tool leading to the arrest of four suspects charged with possession with intent to deliver within 1,000 feet of a church and possession of drug paraphernalia.
According to deputies, a 411 tip was received alleging that a high volume of vehicular traffic was seen at 1323 Eagleview Dr. in Brandon.
Deputies responded to the scene and could immediately smell burnt Cannabis emanating from within the residence.
After knocking, it took approximately 45 minutes before the occupants of the residence exited, deputies said.
With a search warrant deputies located and seized approximately 193 grams of cannabis, 1.8 grams of cocaine and $3,691 in U.S. currency as well as seized various drug paraphernalia and miscellaneous ammunition.
Three of the occupants were arrested. Warrants were issued for a fourth subject, Christian Orsi, who lives at the residence for the narcotics located within his bedroom.
Animal Control was also called to take possession of a boxer living in the home.
In an effort to keep residents safe and informed, the Sheriff’s Office also introduced its Audio Traffic/Bulletin Smart Phone Application last month.
During a press conference, former Lt. Gov. Jeff Kottkamp and Roger Koch of Audible Media group along with HCSO Major Chad Chronister announced the new tool, a community smartphone application, which gives Hillsborough County residents up-to-the minute, voice-activated, on-demand, audio traffic reports and news bulletins.
Chronister told all present that the Hillsborough Sheriff’s Office is one of the first law enforcement agencies in the country with their own radio broadcast that residents can hear right on their smart phone.
“It’s a revolutionary new service that allows HCSO to communicate with the people of Hillsborough County from their Apple or Android device,” he said. “It gives residents up-to-the minute, voice-activated, on-demand, audio traffic reports and news bulletins that do not require users to be distracted.”
HCSO emphasized that the service gives the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office the ability to communicate instantly with audio messages to Hillsborough County residents with pertinent information such as; crimes where the public can be of assistance, missing and endangered people and children; hazardous safety and weather conditions or any other important public service announcements or messages that HCSO believes residents and business owners should hear directly from HCSO.
For more information, visit www.hcso.tampa.fl.us.
