The Morgan Hill Police Department has launched a custom mobile application for iPhone and Android devices. The app provides residents with a direct connection to the police department for instant public safety notifications, links to programs and resources, and opportunities to send tips to officers, make traffic complaints and report graffiti.
The smartphone app’s multi-channel messaging system makes it easy for the department to deliver the right message at the right time encouraging two-way communication, reads a press release from MHPD.
Once residents download the free Morgan Hill Police Department application from the App Store (for an iPhone) or Google Play (for Android), they can instantly connect to the agency to:
• Provide tips directly to MHPD either anonymously or with contact information;
• File police reports and traffic complaints or request copies of reports;
• Report graffiti with the ability to send pictures and accurate locations directly to graffiti abatement;
• Report homeless concerns directly to MHPD to help provide resources in a more timely manner;
• Source links to many different programs including mental health, domestic violence, shelters and substance abuse;
• Find crime prevention tips including firearms safety, car break-ins and active shooter preparedness information;
• Source links to school resource officers, MHPD job openings, crime maps and sex offender maps; and
• Source social media links to department, staff and K9 Basco’s Instagram page.
MHPD has also launched a Spanish-only version of the police app, Policía de Morgan Hill.
“We are proud to be the very first agency to develop a Spanish-only version of the app through Apex Mobile, a nationwide provider of apps to police agencies. Communication is key to community engagement, and we believe we are drastically improving our ability to engage with our Morgan Hill community,” said MHPD Capt. Emil Kokesh.
He added, “We are working tirelessly to find new ways to engage with our community members. One of the things we identified through research for our app was that some households don’t have easy access to computers and do most of their emails and news through their cell phones. Many of our Spanish-only residents say they often struggle with finding local news and information through apps. Now they can download the MHPD free app and instantly have access to the same information as English-only users.”
The app is a work in progress. The Spanish version of the app is currently not available through the Apple Store, police said.
The Apex Mobile’s proprietary platform that powers the MHPD app was designed to help police departments and public safety agencies across the country develop, deploy and manage mobile apps that drive effective community engagement, according to police. Public safety agencies are using Apex’s technology nationwide.
Morgan Hill Police Chief David Swing said, “Our department’s success in community safety is a direct result of proactive policing strategies by the men and women of our department and strong community partnerships. The MHPD app is another way we can connect with the community and open the channels of communication in partnership with our shared goals. I am especially thankful for the resourcefulness of Apex Mobile and Capt. Emil Kokesh to create a mirrored app in Spanish so that our messaging is more inclusive for all.”
Future plans for the app include functions for the Emergency Operations Center and the department’s Animal Control Services.
