Smart app will alert users about crime
People could soon be notified of crimes moments after the offences have taken place thanks to a new smart app.
People could soon be notified of crimes moments after the offences have taken place thanks to a new smart app.
The Staffordshire Smart Alert app and website thought to be the first of its type in the UK allows residents and businesses to receive alerts either by email direct to their phone or tablet or through the app. Information can also be personalised to find out more about rural, horse, canal, school and cycle crime, with the option for people to input their address to receive alerts local to their area.
Staffordshire police and crime commissioner (PCC) Matthew Ellis said his ambition is for officers to be able to send real-time alerts through Smart Alert to update users on a crime that has just taken place, or is currently taking place, in the local area.
He said the new smart app aims to improve engagement between police and the public by offering tailored crime alerts and community safety advice to help turn the tables on crime.
Communities are the eyes and ears that can help police to make communities safer and help to reduce and prevent crime. The power of communities to watch out for each other is invaluable, said Mr Ellis.
This is an important step forward in empowering communities. It will mean people can now receive local, targeted alerts on crime and community safety when and where they want them. It will also make sure communities can help police in turning the tables on crime.
The Staffordshire Smart Alert technology is an important development that will help communities and businesses across Staffordshire and help Staffordshire Police engage with new audiences, including young people as well as those they already communicate with.
Designed for people aged 12 and over, Smart Alert has been developed by the Office of the PCC over several months and tested by young people, police officers and Neighbourhood Watch members.
Police community support officers are now trained to send Smart Alerts while out on the beat and Staffordshire Polices community engagement team is also fully trained.
The projects development has been supported by Neighbourhood Watch coordinators and members and Mr Ellis said Smart Alert fully supports the development and growth of Neighbourhood Watch groups in Staffordshire.
A second phase will ensure that Staffordshire Smart Alert uses cutting-edge technology to help keep the communities and businesses of Staffordshire safe and reassured. Among planned developments is the introduction of automatic location-based GPS technology and links to social media.
Staffordshire Police Chief Constable Jane Sawyers said they fully support this new initiative and were working closely with the Office of the PCC to increase their engagement with communities and businesses.
Staffordshire Smart Alert is an important way of helping people to get more involved with local policing in their neighbourhoods, she added.
The free Staffordshire Smart Alert app can be downloaded from the Apple and Android app stores or people can sign up to receive email alerts via the website www.staffordshiresmartalert.uk