"There is a need here to have more information about what is going on," said Sheriff Scott Holzinger. "There are some things we can't share. But if we don't share information that we are able to, then it seems like we have something to hide."
The sheriff said he wants to be transparent and more intentional with providing information. Midland County Sheriff Community Resource Deputy Conner Smith is the focal point of the office for administering items in the app.
"My hope is that this will reduce a lot of calls to the jail and sheriff's office," Holzinger said.
People can go to the app to access information online rather than calling the jail to see if someone is there or to see what their bond is. The app can even be used to add money to someone's commissary at the jail. Using the app also tells people if there was a dangerous occurrence in the area and if they should stay inside.
The app lists Midland County Jail inmates and sex offenders, and has a way to find weather emergencies and a way to ask that your home be watched while you are on vacation or away. There is also court information for district and circuit courts.
The app also features the "sheriff's corner," where one can learn more about Holzinger and ask him a question.
Holzinger said the app also notes road closures and some emergency events. As an illustration, he mentioned an incident years ago that involved heavy emergency traffic and a helicopter, and people called the sheriff's office to find out what was going on. Now, they don't have to.
"With this, we control the narrative for emergency situations," Holzinger said. He adds that putting the information out there means people won't be as apt to speculate about the truth. All you have to is check the app, he said. It also has an anonymous and secure way to submit crime tips.
The app is linked to the weather for emergencies, such as Thursday's freeze warning. It also offers push notifications for real-time alerts and updates to residents, keeping them informed about emergencies, public safety issues, and community events.
"We were able to customize and build it the exact way we wanted," Holzinger said.
The app is expected to enhance public safety, improve efficiency and strengthen connections between the Sheriff's Office and the public.
"Because of all these features, it is a legitimate use of funds to purchase the app from the Inmate Benefit Fund," Holzinger said. "The terms of the agreement started at the app's launch and go through 2028. Payment for the app is $23,850.50 in the first year and $10,658.50 in the second and third years."
To download the app, go to a play store and type in Michigan Midland County Sheriff's Office and click it. Then hit install and then open.
© 2025 the Midland Daily News (Midland, Mich.). Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
