WILKES-BARRE -- The police departments in Wilkes-Barre and Wilkes-Barre Township are getting ready to use a new way to fight crime --a high-tech way that's right on your smartphone, an app called Mobile Patrol.
When police in Wilkes-Barre respond to a crime scene, they often end up asking for help from the public to track down a suspect. Now you can help just by using your smartphone.
Police in Wilkes-Barre and Wilkes-Barre Township just enrolled in an app called Mobile Patrol. It allows police departments to communicate directly with the public by sharing the latest crime reports, arrests warrants, and other urgent information.
Some students at Wilkes University gave it mixed reviews.
"I like this. Wilkes-Barre's is not a nice place anymore, so I think something like this would be handy," said student Rachel Krell.
"It's definitely pretty cool, I mean, fast updates are what people need to stay safe," said student Jesse Chaonick.
"I think the idea has potential and stuff, but I don't know if I'd use it," said student Donovan McElligatt.
The app also allows the public to report crime directly to police. Users can tell police where crime is happening by using the phone's location, and can even show what's happening, and also upload photos or videos from their phones to police.
"Police aren't everywhere, so it's good that citizens around here can report crimes to keep people safe, keep people away from certain areas," Chaonick added.
The app can also connect users to 911.
"You can push a bunch of buttons to get there or you can just push three buttons and get 911, so I guess I can see its usefulness, but personally I'd go with the more traditional, and call the police."
Wilkes-Barre and Wilkes-Barre Township will have a news conference about the app Tuesday. Mobile Patrol is free for users to download and also free for police departments.
Here are the links to download the Mobile Patrol app: