Bellevue Police Connecting With Community Through New App

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - Many police departments over the years have had to cut down staff and eliminate positions, increasing the burden of being on every street corner. In many cases, the people who live in the neighborhoods become the eyes and ears for the police.

Bellevue Police Chief Matthew Sentner knew he had to adapt. Just last week, the department began using a free app called My PD.

"It really struck me as something we needed to be doing," Chief Sentner told KDKA's Heather Abraham.

The app works in many ways. It allows police to put out mass alerts, for instance, and also provides community information and contacts.

One of the features that Chief Sentner is hoping people really use is the option to submit a tip.

"It's another way for them to be able to grab their phones, simply send us a message," said Chief Sentner.

There's a dropdown menu under the tip option. From there, users can select a variety of topics like graffiti, school issues, property complaints, or drug activity. You can send information anonymously, include GPS information and even a picture.

"If it's criminal activity and you're able to get a picture of it, that would be excellent evidence."  Chief Sentner said.

However, he would never encourage taking a picture if it puts you in harm's way.

This also does not replace 911 for any and all emergencies.  But, Chief Sentner said this gives community members a way to send information directly to officers in charge of specific details, who can then begin looking into the issue.

Abraham conducted a test run with the chief and found that when she submitted a tip, it got to the chief in seconds.

Within a week of launching, Chief Sentner said about 100 people had downloaded the free app, which is costing Bellevue roughly $600 a year.

Only eight departments in Pennsylvania are currently using the app and Bellevue is the only local department.

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