Cranston Police Department Announces New Smartphone App, Providing the Public New Ways to Connect

Cranston – The Cranston Police Department is announcing the launch of our new free smartphone application, “My Police Department” or “MyPD” for short. The MyPD app allows citizens to download an app for their Android or iPhone device and easily connect with the Cranston Police Department. The app has approximately 40 potential features and includes a sleek user interface.
“The Cranston Police Department is committed to enhancing the relationship between the police department and the citizens we proudly serve. This free app is yet another example of our commitment to provide new and innovative ways to stay connected to our residents and business owners. We are pleased to be the first police department in Rhode Island to offer the MyPD app, which is available at no cost to the user”, said Colonel Michael J. Winquist, Chief of Police.
As crime and safety issues are also important for citizens to know about, the app includes resources and links on a number of topics such as; victim resources, domestic violence, press releases, missing children, and many more. There are also four background screens to swipe through and can be updated with pictures of wanted persons, missing people, or announcements.
Sending in tips about crimes or other quality of life issues is another way citizens can use the Cranston Police MyPD app. It allows the user to either attach their contact information or send it to us anonymously. Photos and GPS locations of incidents can also be attached from either the phones gallery or live camera.
While the app links to or integrates with some social media, it is not another social network. There are also no ads on the app and no account is necessary to use MyPD. “The Cranston Police Department has been active on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube for quite some time,” said Captain Vincent McAteer of the Office of Community Outreach, “The MyPD app is not meant to replace those or be another social network. It is a tool for citizens to keep on their phones so when they need a phone number, to send a crime tip, or want to research something they have it readily available in an easy to use app.”
While the app is not a social media platform, it does have some social aspects to it and has a feature where users can “unlock” badges the more they use the app and interact with the police department. The app also now lets users share some basic anonymous data about their age, gender, or how they found out about the app. This is optional and if shared will help the department to better understand who is using the app, how they found it, and if they live or work in the city.
MyPD is free for residents, contains no advertising, and users do not need to share personal information or set up an account to use the app. Any information sharing is optional. Citizens looking to connect with the Cranston Police Department should search for “MyPD” in their app store. Once the app is downloaded and the agency chosen it will always open to the Cranston Police Department and our resources. For additional information about the My Police Department app users can visit MyPDapp.com.