As a way to enhance our community policing efforts and prevent crime, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office joins the Neighbors app by Ring. This free app, launched by popular door-bell camera maker Ring in May of 2018, is a free way for community members and local law enforcement agencies to share crime and safety information, even if they don’t own a Ring device.

Once downloaded, users can join this virtual “neighborhood watch” to share crime and safety-related videos, photos, and text-based posts from whatever security camera system they have.

The Neighbors app has millions of users across the nation. The sheriff’s office believes this partnership is another way to connect and engage with our community. We believe the ability for app users and investigators from the sheriff’s office to both request and share specific crime and safety information will help prevent and solve crimes in Washington County.
Like other social media platforms we already use to connect with our community, our participation in the Neighbors app is not a replacement for 9-1-1. If anyone sees a crime occur, they are encouraged to immediately report the incident through official channels, including our non-emergency number of 503-629-0111.

Your privacy is important to us. All tips shared via Neighbors are anonymous unless users choose to identify themselves. This partnership does not grant law enforcement access to cameras or user data. Law enforcement can only view content posted by users to the Neighbors app or that they have decided to share in response to a specific request.
Users do not need to own a Ring device or any other home security system to download and use the Neighbors app. Anyone can download this app for free to keep up with crime and safety updates and participate in the digital neighborhood watch on their smartphones.

The number one reason the Washington County Sheriff’s Office is participating with the Neighbors app is its ability to prevent crime in our community.

App Download Link: https://download.ring.com/washingtoncounty
Text Code: Send ‘wcoregon’ to 555-888

Important Things to Know:
- You do not need a Ring device to participate in the Neighbors app
- Downloading this free app does not give any law enforcement agency access to your cameras
- Video is only shared at the discretion of the user
- This app is only intended to be used for crime & safety purposes
- The Sheriff’s Office is not endorsing any specific products or devices based on participation with this app