Over 2,000 people are now getting free crime alerts and community safety messages following the launch of a new App and website by Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Ellis.
The Staffordshire Smart Alert App has now been downloaded over 1,500 times and the website has also received over 800 new registrations for email alerts since it launched in March 2016. Staffordshire Smart Alert 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.
The App is already receiving positive feedback with users describing it as “First Class” and a “Brilliant idea” on the Apple store.
The Staffordshire Smart Alert App and website, 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 an App. Information can also be personalised to find out more about rural, horse, canal, school and cycle crime as well as the option to enter your postcode 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: “Communities 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 and 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.
“My ambition for the second phase of Staffordshire Smart Alert is that officers will be able to send real-time alerts to update users on a crime that has just taken place, or currently taking place, in the local area,”
Chief Constable Jane Sawyers said: “Staffordshire Smart Alert provides the opportunity for residents, businesses and partners to receive timely, localised community safety information from local officers of Staffordshire Police.
“By downloading the App and setting your personal preferences, you will be getting localised messages from your local officers on the things that matter to you.”
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
