The Lycoming County Sheriff’s Office just released a new smartphone app for county residents to download that will help them stay up-to-date with the latest developments in the area.

The app, called “Lycoming Sheriff,” is a hub that collects services and information related to the sheriff’s office in one place.

Lycoming Sheriff allows residents to submit a tip, contact the office personnel, run inmate searches and be notified about sex offenders.

Additionally, the app collects information about how to obtain licenses to carry, the office’s division and units, its programs and employment opportunities with the sheriff’s office all in one place — the user’s smartphone.

“This app will serve as a new way for the sheriff’s office to connect with Lycoming County residents and visitors, providing information quickly and efficiently to anyone with a smartphone,” a news release sent by Mark Lusk, the county’s sheriff, said Wednesday afternoon.

“It’s another tool for law enforcement to use to help keep our community safe,” said Kurt Ulmer, the chief deputy to the sheriff.

The app launches days after the Lycoming County Courthouse, the building of which the sheriff’s office is part of, closed down to most of the public with few exceptions for reasons related to COVID-19.

To that end, the app links users to information related to stopping the spread of the virus. On Lycoming Sheriff, there are sections for COVID-19 notification, travel information, prevention tips and more.

Ulmer explained the app will help give vital information residents can use in lieu of visiting the office in-person.

The app was developed by TheSheriffApp.com, a division of OCV LLC that specializes in smartphone app development for sheriffs’ offices and public safety organizations across the county.

Kevin Cummings, vice president of OCV, said more than 80 percent of people in the U.S. own and use smartphones as their primary means of communication.

“Mobile apps offer agencies a better way to alert, inform and prepare the public. Apps allow public safety agencies the ability to reach and serve their citizens where they are: their smartphones,” Cummings said.

Information like the COVID-19 updates link directly to the state Department of Health, meaning residents using the app will be able to access the most up-to-date information with it. The information that comes from the office itself will be continually updated, Ulmer said.

“We’re working on it daily to make sure as much information as possible is fresh,” Ulmer said.