Scott Swope on the Patch Podium: Use of Technology

Each week, we're asking each of the Pinellas County sheriff candidates a question that's important to you, the voter, so you can be informed come ballot time.

This week, we asked:

How do you see technology playing a role in day-to-day operations and the longterm success of the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office?

answers:

The Sheriff’s Office must stay ahead of the technology curve if it wants to be successful in catching criminals who are increasingly using technology to commit crimes. Criminals are using the Internet to find and exploit victims. Sexual predators use classified ad websites to advertise children for sex. Burglars use social media sites to find out when we’re not going to be home. Thieves use auction websites to sell their stolen goods. The Sheriff’s Office must do a better job of using technology to protect the public. 

As Sheriff, I would have the crimes against children unit conduct sexual predator sting operations in Pinellas County using the Internet. Sexual predators oftentimes use the Internet to develop a relationship with underage boys and girls. The ultimate goal of these sexual predators is to victimize - in person - the children that they meet online. My goal as Sheriff would be for Pinellas County to be known for conducting sexual predator sting operations as a deterrent for predators who would consider meeting their victims in Pinellas County. 

This is just one example of how I would use technology to protect the citizens of Pinellas County. Technology should permeate all aspects of the Sheriff’s Office with the goal of saving tax dollars while making Pinellas County a safer place to live. 

Read more responses from Swope: