New Toronto police mobile app makes it easier to report crimes

Toronto Police Service launches app that allows users to report crimes and get police information directly on their Android and iOS smartphones

Thestar.com
Aug. 4, 2015
By Jillian Kestler-D’Amours

The Toronto Police Service has launched a mobile app that will allow users to report crimes and quickly get information about crime prevention across the city.

Using their smart phones, residents will be able to file certain police reports, get safety alerts, locate police stations, file traffic complaints, and receive notifications from police social media accounts, among other features.

“We feel that this will help with the relationship we have with victims,” said Const. Hugh Ferguson during a press conference on Tuesday morning.

Specifically, residents can use the app to report incidents that include damage to property or vehicles under $5,000, fraud under $5,000, theft under $5,000, graffiti and driving complaints, among others. Users can also contact Toronto Crime Stoppers anonymously through the app, police say.

“It gives the public an opportunity to report crime when it’s convenient,” Ferguson said.

The TPS Mobile App also includes a virtual police officer, to whom users can direct questions, and police safety tips.

However, dialing 9-1-1 is still the best option during an emergency, Ferguson said.

The app is available on Android and iOS systems, and will be added to BlackBerry and Windows phones in the coming weeks. Additional features will also be added, Ferguson said.

It was launched in partnership with MobilePD, a Texas-based developer that specializes in smart phone applications for law enforcement agencies.

“We are extremely excited to welcome the Toronto Police Service to the MobilePD family,” said Kushyar Kasraie, CEO of MobilePD, the developer of the smart phone software, in a statement.

“Since our beginning, we have worked to make local communities safer and increase cooperation between law enforcement agencies and citizens. We can’t wait to see how Toronto benefits from this technology.”

The Victoria Police Department launched a mobile app to report crimes in 2013.

Victoria residents can report incidents when the suspect is unknown and the reported loss totals less than $5,000. This includes acts of vandalism, graffiti, shoplifting, and bicycle theft, among other examples.

The Ottawa Police Service, Edmonton Police Service, Calgary Police Service, Metro Vancouver Transit Police, and other law enforcement agencies in Canada have also launched similar mobile apps.