The PPD launches iWatchPhiladelphia, a neighborhood watch inspired smart phone app
A Dallas-based technology company has launched an app that enables any citizen to report suspected criminal activity and it’s now available in Philadelphia.
Earlier this week, the Philadelphia Police Department has enlisted the use of a new kind of neighborhood watch technology.
iWatchPhiladelphia is a free smart phone application that enable citizens and neighborhood watch groups to help police departments, without actually engaging in police matters. Users are able to respond to police requests for information, and even submit photos or videos anonymously.
The app features maps pinpointing the location, type, and nature of crimes; searchable, criminal activity reports in any given zip code, an RSS feed-type alert system with optional text alerts, links to the local police department, sex offender information, and reports on missing children.
According to a statement released by iThinQware, the tech firm that is behind the software, other organizations like universities, middle schools and high schools are also utilizing the new app.
“We’ve taken the concept of social media and coupled it to the investigative task force concept of law enforcement,” said Founder Daniel Elliott in a statement.
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