Sheriff’s Office to launch software on Sept. 22
The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO), in partnership with the Sarasota County Public Safety Communications Center (PSCC), will launch a new service that uses text messaging to allow people to provide feedback after interaction with the PSCC, the Sheriff’s Office announced this week.
Starting on Monday, Sept. 22, “residents and visitors of Sarasota County will be some of the first in the state to use the new software, which allows us to better connect with those we serve,” a news release points out.
“In today’s on-demand society, we understand how important it is to keep citizens informed,” Sheriff Kurt A. Hoffman said in the release. “Much like private companies use tools to send automatic text message notifications, updates and satisfaction surveys to their customers, SCSO is now able to do the same,” he added. “We expect that this new solution, PowerEngage, will drastically enhance communication with the citizens we serve.”
The text messages will be sent “after predetermined incidents,” asking individuals to take a quick survey about their experiences during their calls for service, the release says. The system also will allow persons to provide their own comments or feedback, “or take the opportunity to thank a call-taker,” the release notes.
“Serving our community on their worst day is a responsibility we hold in the highest regard at Sarasota County, and being able to receive feedback directly from our residents is vital to strengthening our programs and response,” said Sarasota County Emergency Services Director Rich Collins in the release. “We encourage residents to fill out this survey when they receive it.”
“With PowerEngage, text message surveys are sent to those whose number is recorded as part of a call for service or a report,” the release explains. Even if they did not receive a text message, individuals can take a text message survey and provide feedback by clicking this link: Click to Access Survey, the release adds.
Residents who do not want to participate “can simply not respond or reply with ‘STOP,’ and that will opt them out of all future text surveys from the agency,” the release points out.
“These surveys should not be used to report any type of emergency or crime,” the release stresses. “Always call 9-1-1 for any emergency or to report any criminal activity.”