Over 5,300 people are now receiving messages from Staffordshire Smart Alert just six months after it launched.
The Staffordshire Smart Alert App has been downloaded over 3,800 times and the website has also received over 1,500 new registrations for email alerts since it launched in March 2016. It was developed and launched by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Staffordshire to improve engagement between Staffordshire Police and the communities they serve.
In its first 6 months Staffordshire Smart Alert has received positive feedback from users including:
“I find this app very useful and helps me keep my elderly father aware of scams. Thank you very much.”
“Nice to be kept up-to-date with stuff in the area and keep a watch out for anything untoward.”
“Good app gives me lots of information regarding my local area.”
“Great app, so good to see our local police team using modern technology and keeping up with the times.”
The free service, which is for people aged 12 years or over, allows local people to receive Staffordshire Smart Alerts 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 as well as the option to input your address to receive alerts local to your area.
The alerts include incident numbers and contact details so members of the public can contact Staffordshire Police if they have any relevant information. Businesses across Staffordshire can also choose to receive crime alerts that are relevant to their industry sector.
Mr Ellis said: “Local people are the eyes and ears that can help police to make communities safer and help to reduce and prevent crime.
“This is an important step forward in empowering communities to watch out for each other. The Staffordshire Smart Alert system means that 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 which 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.”
The free Staffordshire Smart Alert App can be downloaded from the Apple and Android App stores or you can sign up to receive email invites via the website www.staffordshiresmartalert.uk
