MPD unveils new police app for citizen alerts, tips
Need to get the latest alerts and tips from the Monroe Police Department? There's an app for that.
MPD officials unveiled the department's newest social media tool Monday which will allow citizens to get alerts, send messages to the department's top brass find other contacts and resources within the department.
"This is a one-stop shop with access to our website, access to our Facebook page and Twitter account, allowing for enhanced communication with our citizens," said Detective Reggie Brown.
The department will spend approximately $500 annually for upkeep and maintenance of the app.
Police Chief Quentin Holmes said more people utilize social media to correspond with police officials so it's important for agencies and officers to be social media savvy to improve communication with citizens.
"If there is any reason you need to contact us, whether good, bad or indifferent, it makes it easier to do it. The whole goal is for Monroe Police to be able to connect with the community while they're using this technology," Holmes said.
Holmes recently attending a conference dealing with policing in the 21st century where Retired lt. Gen. Russel Honore discussed the importance of using social media in police work.
"One of his comments was this: 'If an agency is not using social media to connect with their community, they are making a mistake.' In today's time, that's how our community communicates - through social media and smart phones - so agencies have to make that adjustment."
Sgt. Mark Johnson, who also works with Crime Stoppers of Ouachita, said the app has already helped solve some burglary cases locally and connect with people out of state.
Based on a tip that was submitted anonymously, detectives were able to gather evidence to make arrests on some burglaries that recently occurred.
Besides alerts, offering tips and communicating with police officials, citizens also can file complaints or commend officers. All can be done anonymously.
To download the app on Android or Apple devices, search and download "MyPD" and choose the region and then Monroe Police Department. You can also opt to receive alerts.
Follow Scott Rogers on Twitter @lscottrogers