MEDICINE HAT, AB — The Medicine Hat Police Service has officially launched an app aimed at helping provide information and access to police resources in Medicine Hat.
The app was officially launched Thursday, and can be downloaded for free in the App Store or the Google Play Store by searching Medicine Hat Police Service.
“It’s been on our plan for information and technology for about four years, but about a year ago, in June of 2018, we got approval from the police commission to move ahead with it,” said Inspector Brent Secondiak.
The app allows residents to report certain crimes online, submit tips to police and includes a database to view recovered stolen property. Residents can also learn about what to do if involved in a motor vehicle collision.
It also brings together all of the police service’s communications channels into one place, including calls for service, media releases, crime maps and community safety concerns, and can send notifications to residents in case of an emergency situation.
Secondiak says the goal of the app is to enhance communications between police and residents.
“We know that nationally, the percentage of people using cell phones is increasing, most people have a smart phone of some type,” he said. “We thought, what better way to send out messaging, instant messaging, in some cases dangerous situations or road closures, where we can sent it out immediately, and send out our information to the public almost instantaneously.”
Secondiak says the app is not for urgent matters, and people should call 911 or the police non-emergency line in those situations.
The app was developed by Apex Mobile.
