In what it claims is a first for the UK, Greater Manchester Police has used geo-location technology, in the form of an App, to enable citizens to ‘become crime fighters’ and to develop closer and better engagement with their local neighbourhood policing teams.
The free iPhone app has been developed by GMP in-house digital team. A version for Android is expected to be released in the spring.
Deputy chief constable Ian Hopkins said: “This is a real step forwards in using technology to support policing and gives people the chance to help us at any time and any place. They can find out what is happening where they are and be kept informed.
“It provides an enhanced service and we will be working on further developments. We want people to help us add to it with what will help them on a daily basis.”
The app offers a variety of information related to more localised police delivery such as proximity of stations and neighbourhood policing teams together with contact info for individual officers, public meetings and highlights the student safety zones in Manchester.
There is also an ‘around me’ feature that tracks, ongoing appeals and ‘wanted people’ lists with a contact point which. the force said, will put the user into direct with the relevant intelligence teams on those cases/appeals.
“We rely on the information that we get from people to help us to solve crimes” said Detective superintendent Mark Smith.
“The app is a great addition that means people can send details no matter where they are, and help us to target criminals.”
