ALEXANDRIA, La. (WNTZ) — In an effort to keep the community more informed and connected, Rapides Parish Sheriff Mark Wood announced the release of a new custom smartphone app designed to enhance communication between the Sheriff’s Office and the public.

The mobile app is now available for free on both the App Store and Google Play, allowing residents and visitors in Rapides Parish to receive real-time updates and access key services with just a few taps.

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“This app is an innovative step forward in how we share critical information with the people we serve,” Sheriff Wood said. “It puts the resources of the Sheriff’s Office directly into the hands of our citizens.”

Key features of the app include:

• Sheriff’s welcome message
• Push notifications for urgent alerts
• Opioid prevention resources
• News and press releases
• Scam alerts
• Inmate search and jail information
• Contact options
• Anonymous tip submission
• And more

With more than 80 percent of Americans now relying on smartphones as their primary means of communication, mobile applications have become an increasingly effective way for public safety agencies to inform, alert, and engage with the public.

“This tool allows us to reach our community instantly and efficiently,” Wood added. “Whether it’s a scam alert, a public safety concern, or an event update, our office can now connect with residents no matter where they are.”

To download the app, search “Rapides Parish Sheriff, LA” in your device’s app store. A QR code is also available via the Sheriff’s Office website and promotional materials.