GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Gainesville police are making it easier to send in crime tips and to check what crime is happening in your area.
Mobile phone users can connect with the Gainesville Police Department via a newly released app.
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Users on iOS and Android can download the free smartphone app to gain access to information that has previously been in multiple locations, police said.
Citizens will also have the ability to send tips directly to investigators, file reports for certain crimes and get crime information about any area in the city limits.
Other features include real-time traffic information from Gainesville/Alachua County SmartTraffic and a feature that allows citizens to use their phone’s built-in GPS to view sexual offenders and predators in the area.
Push alerts are also available in an opt-in basis for traffic alerts and situations that require immediate emergency notification.
Officer Ben Tobias, the agency spokesperson said it was time GPD began using technology more to connect with citizens.
“Almost everyone has a mobile device,” Tobias said. “Folks use their smartphone for everything now, and we need to give them the tools to connect to us more efficiently. In the case of an emergency, we will have the ability to deliver critical information instantly to app users.”
To download the free app, open the App Store on iOS or Google Play on Android and search for “Gainesville Police.” Once installed, visit the “Notifications” area in settings to opt in to any push alerts.