Homeland Security Office Launches Smartphone Application

by Brenna Angel, Kentucky Public RadioHomeland Security officials hope smartphone technology will make it easier and faster for Kentuckians to report suspicious activity.The Eyes and Ears on Kentucky initiative has been around for a while. But Shelby Lawson with the Kentucky Office of Homeland Security expects the launch of a new website and iPhone app will get more use than the toll-free hotline.“It was very sparse," says Lawson. "And it’s because there are a lot of people who are hesitant to call in and talk to someone on the phone. It’s easier to sit at the computer and input that information and then hit the send button. You can do it at your leisure.”Just like the hotline, Kentucky’s website and iPhone reporting systems are anonymous. The public is urged to give information on anything that seems suspicious or unsafe. Lawson says all reports are vetted before any action is taken with local law enforcement or federal authorities.iPhone users can download the Eyes and Ears on Kentucky app for free on iTunes.