By Sarah Roebuck
Police1
HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — The Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department is taking a new approach to communication between drivers and deputies during a traffic stop.
An app, called Safe Stop, allows drivers to talk to deputies through a video chat during a traffic stop rather than a deputy coming to the driver’s window, KCBS reports.
The app, which is currently being tested as a pilot program, is only available within the jurisdiction of the West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station.
Safe Stop works on a two-way connection where the driver would start the call with the deputy after being pulled over. The driver and the deputy would then talk about the reason for the stop.
The app’s founder told KCBS that no confidential information is shared when the driver calls the deputy. The only information shared is the vehicle make and model to make sure it is the same vehicle registered in the app.
The pilot program for Safe Stop will last from six months to a year.
During the trial phase of the program, Safe Stop said it will cover a portion of an individual’s ticket if they utilize the app while being pulled over in a traffic stop.