The Broome County Sheriff’s Office is expanding and enhancing communication abilities with crime victims and community members via new technology that provides text updates to community members calling 911.
On Thursday, July 16, the Broome County Sheriff’s Office will launch a new software program through Versaterm CommunityConnect, a comprehensive communication platform designed to provide prompt communication, convenience, and transparency with crime victims and those calling for police services with the Broome County Sheriff’s Office.
Following a call to 911 or the Sheriff’s Office non-emergency line, callers using a mobile phone will promptly receive an automated notification & incident number via SMS text message. The system will provide updates related to the response, including information about the deputy being dispatched, notifications of delays, and access to helpful resources.
The platform helps keep victims informed throughout various stages of the investigative and judicial process, ensuring they remain connected and up-to-date on response delays or case closures (via arrest or otherwise).
Calling the Broome County Dispatch center from a cell phone will trigger the messaging. In addition to receiving text updates, callers will also be able to check the status of their cases via an online portal: https://sheriffconnect.broomecountyny.gov/case_status.
After verifying their information and case number, victims will be able to access the status of their cases along with the name of the deputy or detective currently handling their case. Private information or sensitive details of the investigation will not be accessible via the service.
Based on the seriousness and/or sensitivity of the call for service, some cases, including sex offense investigations, domestic incidents or in-progress crimes, may be excluded from the SMS messaging service to protect the safety, identity or other information related to the victims.
To further enhance agency transparency, community members will have the opportunity to conduct a mobile phone compatible survey to help improve future interactions. The survey will include questions regarding interactions with the dispatcher and deputy, overall satisfaction and general feedback. Optional survey questions regarding caller demographics will also be available.
The automated messaging platform will be available to residents, businesses and visitors to Broome County. This communication platform is exclusive to the Broome County Sheriff’s Office and does not apply to other police agencies, and only for incidents for which the BCSO is the primary agency handling the incident.
The automated messaging program goes live on July 16, 2026.
The Versaterm CommunityConnect service is fully funded by the New York State Sheriff’s Association, at no additional cost to Broome County taxpayers.
“From the very beginning, our team has worked to bring unprecedented transparency and community engagement to the Broome County Sheriff’s Office, utilizing the latest technology to help make Broome County safer for our residents and families,” said Sheriff Fred Akshar. “This is just another important tool to help provide the people of Broome County with very best in law enforcement service and protection, because they expect and deserve the best.”
