Police launch new online reporting app | News

The Columbia Police Department announces their first phone app. The new app gives citizens an additional way of connecting with the department.

The free app can be downloaded by searching for My Police Department or MyPD in the iPhone, iPad, Android Marketplace, or Amazon App store.

The app features several categories for information on the homepage including:

•             The Latest CPD news

•             Crime Statistics

•             Social Media Postings (Facebook and Twitter)

•             Department Contacts

•             Tip Submission

•             Commend an Officer

   Chief Scott says, “Our goal is to increase the flow of information to City of Columbia residents. We hope they will utilize the app as an educational tool. We want them to send us messages, leave a tip or ask questions. CPD is your police department. Often times our citizens know what they need but are unsure who can answer their questions. We want to make things easier for them.”

  The app is NOT for EMERGENCY  CALLS .

  Always call 9-1-1 for emergencies

CPD is the only law enforcement agency in South Carolina to utilize the app.

Other agencies such as: Boston Police Department, Green Bay Police Department, West Sacramento Police Department, and South Portland Police Department have the utilized the app.

MyPD APP TIP SUBMISSION:

When submitting a tip, the app allows you to choose a topic, such as for general crime activity, missing persons, narcotics or community concerns.

    Your tip can remain ANONYMOUS.

If you would like CPD to respond to your tip, there is a section to include your name, email and phone number. This category is for routine questions and information sharing.

 If citizens do not have an iPod or Android, they can still access the same information included in the City of Columbia Police Department app by visiting CPD’s website at www.columbiapd.net.

The app developer, WiredBlue, and the City of Columbia Police Department have new app features planned for the future.

 COP LOGIC:

  MyPD App also links citizens to CPD’s new on-line crime reporting system called “Cop Logic.”

The program is for NON-EMERGENCY, NON-VIOLENT, and MINOR incidents such as: auto break-ins, lost property, breach of trust, unlawful communication, trespassing, or malicious injury to property.

   Each crime category is explained with a definition and example to assist in the reporting process.

    Citizens can submit an online report immediately once the following criteria are met:

• Is this an Emergency?
• Did this incident occur OUTSIDE the City of Columbia Police Department’s jurisdiction?
• Are there known suspect(s) currently on scene?
• Is this a traffic collision?
• Is this Incident in progress?

If the answer is NO to ALL of the above questions, citizens are ready to file a report online.

If the answer is YES, please call 9-1-1.

Once you are able to submit your online report, citizens will receive a police report case number. It is encouraged to print a copy of the report.