Law enforcement in Pasco County have a new way to reach out for help in the wake of a traumatic experience: an app for their smartphones.
- "Pasco Sheriff's Office PTS" app now available in Google Play store
- App prompts user with questions, provides resources
- Will soon be available to Apple phone users
The Pasco County Sheriff’s Office has developed "PTS," an app designed to help deputies who may be suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.
The app puts prompts users to answer several questions about what they might be feeling, any negative thoughts they may be having or bad dreams they may be experiencing. It also provides access to resources for those who may be suffering symptoms.
Sgt. Matt Rosenbloom says he's used the app and is thankful to have it.
“We are not often aware of the long term emotional dangers that come along with the job,” Rosenbloom said. “I think it’s a great tool for deputies not familiar with PTSD.”
After taking the test, the app recommends resources or contacts who can help.
“If you take that test, you’ll see where you are,” said Sheriff Chris Nocco. “You can measure how you are, how you’re doing, and if you’re in a bad spot, we want you to access it to get help.”
The sheriff says this app isn’t just for deputies and that anyone can use it.
“This is being used to help our community," Nocco said. "We want everyone to go there. We want teenagers to go on it. They need this probably more than anybody does."
PCSO put the app together as a pilot program using state funds.
The app also provides general information about PTSD and contact information with community partners.
It’s available on the Google Play store, and will soon be on the Apple Store.