Oswego Police Partner With Ring's Safety App 'Neighbors'

OSWEGO, IL — The Oswego Police Department is partnering with home-and neighborhood security platform Ring to help share crime and safety information with village residents. The sheriff's office will join Ring's "Neighbors" app, which lets neighbors and law enforcement share information on crime incidents, safety tips and other data.

Ring is a camera and internet-enabled doorbell system that can record and transmit information on unlawful activity. The system also has a free app called "Neighbors," which connects to the camera systems, allows for the sharing of crime information and allows for a platform for neighbors to discuss neighborhood safety. Anyone can use the Neighbors app, even if they don't own a Ring device.

Oswego Police will join the platform to share and also collect local crime activity, the department announced Friday. The platform will allow the department to disseminate helpful crime and safety information, while also being helpful in police investigations.

Law enforcement can only access content that residents make public on the Neighbors app or agree to share with police. Departments and do not have access to individual Ring device feeds, the department said. Nationwide, the device has been helpful in catching package thieves and stopping burglaries, among other benefits, Oswego Police said.

Police agencies around the region have been joining the Ring platform as a means of communicating public safety information to the country. Kendall County Sheriff's Office joined earlier this month. Will County joined this summer, and Joliet police joined in the spring.
Here's how to join the Neighbors platform:

• The Neighbors app is available for free on iOS, Android and FireOS devices. Residents can text 'JOIN TODAY' to 555888 from your smartphone to receive a link to download the Neighbors app.
• Opt-in to join your neighborhood.
• Customize the geographic area you want to receive notifications for (users must verify where they are located and cannot participate in other neighborhoods).
• Receive real-time alerts from your neighbors, local law enforcement and the Ring team that inform of crime and safety alerts as they happen.
• View local crime and safety posts via a live feed or interactive map.
• Share text updates, photos and videos taken on any device, including Ring's home security devices.