FLEMING ISLAND — The Clay County Sheriff's Office announced on Thursday, June 5, a new partnership with the SaferWatch app that could mean a significant reward for tipsters. During a press …
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FLEMING ISLAND — The Clay County Sheriff's Office announced on Thursday, June 5, a new partnership with the SaferWatch app that could mean a significant reward for tipsters.
During a press conference, Sheriff Michelle Cook and SaferWatch CEO Geno Roefaro explained the SaferWatch Rewards Program. The emergency-alert company will begin to pay users for information that significantly advances CCSO cases or leads to an arrest.
“We’re excited to announce the launching of the SaferWatch Rewards program, something that our company has wanted to do for a long time,” Roefaro said.
The company contributed $50,000 toward the program.
Roefaro said that since its partnership with the county over three years ago, thousands of tips have been reported through the app. He said its purpose is to bridge the gap between the community and law enforcement.
“Really the SaferWatch Rewards Program is just an evolution of our current platform, and it's something that motivates people to continue to report and to continue do the right thing,” Roefaro said.
Although users do have to input their information into the app to sign up, Cook said that those who submit tips will remain anonymous.
“When you submit a SaferWatch tip, we do not know who you are. That information is kept with SaferWatch,” Cook said. “We will collect the tip, forward it to the investigating detective, who will then determine if that tip added significant value.”
Cook said that if so, the tip is turned over to SaferWatch, whereupon they will issue reward money. Cook said the amount will vary by a case-to-case basis but remain consistent.
“We have a team of people who will work together to determine how much each tip is worth,” she said.
In order to keep the momentum going, CCSO will also begin promoting weekly active cases for which they need the community’s help in solving the crime. Cook said the agency will also begin highlighting older cold cases in hopes of getting answers.
Cook urged the public to download the free SaferWatch app — which has over 50,000 active users in the community — and get started.
