Delhi police add to crime fighting arsenal with new app
DELHI TWP. – The township’s police department launched a new app allowing residents to connect with police to find information, view alerts and submit tips from their smartphones or tablets.
“This is just another way to help us reach the community,” Delhi Township Police Chief Jim Howarth said.
Developed by Citizen Observer’s tip411 program, the DTPD tip411Mobile app puts a useful crime-fighting tool into the hands of residents of all ages. The app is available for download for free via the Google Play Store, iTunes App Store or through the police department’s website, www.delhi.oh.us/police-department. Search “DTPD” in the app stores to locate it.
“Finding new ways to connect with our residents and increase our crime fighting efforts is a constant priority for my department,” Howarth said.
“After partnering with tip411 for more than five years, this upgrade to our technological capabilities with tip411Mobile will greatly benefit our department’s ability to share information with residents and receive tips to improve public safety.”
He said those who download the app will be able to receive real-time alerts on their smartphones or tablets about incidents in the township. The department already sends out alerts via emails and its Facebook page, but he said the app allows for immediate communication because the alerts show up on smartphones and tablets similar to text messages or notifications.
“If there’s something in progress, for example an emergency road closure, it might be helpful for residents to see that information right away instead of later when they check their email or Facebook,” he said.
The app also allows the public to submit anonymous tips and photos to the police and enables officers to respond back, creating an anonymous two-way conversation, Howarth said. Anonymous tips can still be submitted through the department’s website as well, and township residents who don’t have smartphones can still send anonymous tips via cellphones by texting keyword “DTPD” and their tip to 847411 (tip411).
He said the app also has a section with links to township websites and helpful information, contains crime maps and allows residents to call the department’s non-emergency phone number with the tap of a finger in the event they need to reach the police.
Terry Halsch, president of tip411, said they listened to feedback from police departments across the country and built a more advanced and innovative product to help police better engage with their communities.
“Delhi Township’s new DTPD tip411Mobile app will greatly improve the public’s access to agency alerts, social media channels, important information and more to help fight crime,” he said.
Howarth said the Citizen Observer program and its services have proven worthwhile in terms of helping the department solve crimes and communicate with the public.
“I’ve heard nothing but good things about it and we’ve received a lot of positive feedback,” he said. “It’s truly a way to be connected. People are informed and know what’s going on in the township.”
More than 430 people have already downloaded the app since it launched, and he said he’d like as many residents as possible to get it.
The DTPD tip411Mobile app and the anonymous text-a-tip system use technology that removes all identifying information before police see the tips and there is no way for police to identify the sender.