Press Releases
WiredBlue Announces Newest Version of Innovative MyPD App, Connecting Citizens to Their Police
The My Police Department iPhone and Android app adds new features and options for police departments and the public
Boston, MA – September 25, 2012
WiredBlue, a company dedicated to the use of technology to connect the police and public, announced today the upcoming launch of version 2 of their popular My Police Department (MyPD) iPhone & Android application.
“With Version 2 of MyPD, we are proud to be doubling the number of features and also making a number of other changes and enhancements for both the app user and law enforcement agencies,” said Peter Olson, founder of WiredBlue.
The app allows users to sign up to follow their local police department, send in tips, ask questions about law enforcement, commend an officer and more.
As one person posted on the Kingston Canada Police Facebook Page:
“[I]Just [downloaded]the app.. And shared it on[Facebook]… I’m from Ottawa originally, so it would be cool if they got on board with this too.[Then]I could get updates from both my hometowns!”
Pending app approval, the version 2 update will be available in the next 1-2 weeks for the iPhone and Android. Users can currently download version 1 of the free app by searching for MyPD on iTunes or Google Play.
With iPhone and Android representing over 85-percent of the smartphone market, police departments can reach almost all of their smartphone carrying citizens. According to recent reports, apps are used to access the web approximately 82-percent of the time, outpacing mobile browsers.
There are now almost 100 law enforcement agencies across the United States and Canada either currently using or enrolled to use the app. Agencies include local, state, and college police departments.
“Bridging the gap between our police force and our citizens is a big challenge, and we look at our MyPD app as an opportunity to do that” said Chief of Police Brian Keyes, of the Chelsea Massachusetts Police Department.
Known as a budget-friendly addition to police departments’ technology toolbox, the average police department using MyPD pays only a few hundred dollars per year for the native apps, including support and future releases. Compare that to the initial cost to have a custom-built police app with the same, or sometimes fewer features, which can range into the tens of thousands of dollars.
The MyPD model is based on agencies sharing a resource to drive down costs and avoid duplication efforts. One of the four main strategy principles of the Digital Government whitepaper on Whitehouse.gov is a shared platform approach and MyPD is meeting many of the suggested priciples. Agencies are using the MyPD app because it provides all the features they need, lowers costs, and saves time. Also key to the platform is that as more agencies join it becomes a more powerful app for the public.
One citizen noted on the El Dorado Kansas Police Facebook page:
“Thanks. I have had the app for a while now because I go to Wichita often but had not checked it recently and didn’t realize that El Dorado was on there too. I spend a lot of time there (I live in Augusta between the two towns.) I just added El Dorado. Thanks.”
For the past year, citizens have been able to interact with the department of their choosing. With a few clicks, they can submit crime tips, send questions, take surveys, or receive the latest news.
More and more police departments are reaching out to their citizens through social media and technology and MyPD allows these departments to connect with a mobile audience in a proactive way.
With the new iPhone & Android app versions, Police Departments can now offer citizens over 22 features, including the following app options:
Commend an Officer or Employee; Questions & Feedback with Photo & GPS; Submit a Tip with Photos & GPS; Encrypted Forms; Push Notifications; Citizen Surveys; Most Wanted.
As always, the MyPD app is free to download and use and doesn’t have advertisements. MyPD does not require users to sign up or sign in to use the app.
About WiredBlue LLC
Wired Blue LLC is a leading provider of cost-effective mobile, web and cloud-based software applications that make policing services easier, faster and more accessible for law enforcement agencies and the citizens they serve. WiredBlue is headquartered in Massachusetts. Additional information is available at http://WiredBlue.co