INDIANAPOLIS — The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department is hoping to connect with the community in a new way as they launch a pilot program for an app called Relay.
The app is designed for non-emergency situations. It should make it easier for residents to report things like suspicious activity, found property, and vandalism.
People have the ability to upload pictures and videos. The content is all being monitored by officers as they test the program in the North District.
"We are out driving all the time, but sometimes we are never where people want us to be so this is a way to guide us to the areas that you are having problems within your neighborhood," IMPD Officer Ross Jette said.
Officers also have the ability to message citizens back, providing updates on their complaints.
"What it really allows for is that direct interaction between the citizen and the officer who works in that area, so you kind of get to know the officers that patrol your area," Jette said. "They get to know the people that live there and it helps to bridge those relationships and establish that rapport."
This app does not take the place of 911 or 311, the non-emergency line. Those should both be used before relay when there is an active situation or incident where there is a need for an officer to respond quickly.
The Fishers Police Department says it's been using the app for about a year now. They have thousands of residents signed up and they say it has helped strengthen relationships between officers and citizens as well as create safer communities.
More information about the Relay app can be found here.
