Category: News || By Submitted Report

County police are urging smartphone users to install a new app that allows them to report suspicious activity.

The "See Something, Send Something" app was developed by My Mobile Witness and is available at no cost to iPhone and Android phone users.

"With the recent explosions in Boston, we are reminded once again that we must remain vigilant and aware of what is going on around us in our communities," said Alvin Henderson Jr., county chief of emergency services. "Residents are really our eyes and ears."

Residents should continue to call 9-1-1 or their local emergency number if they see crime or dangerous activity, officials said.

But the My Mobile Witness app allows smartphone users to take a photo or send a note about other activity that poses less immediate danger, but still seems suspicious, such as packages left unattended.

The app was introduced by the Pennsylvania State Police and connects directly with the Pennsylvania Criminal Intelligence Center, County Police Superintendent Charles Moffatt said.

There has already been an increase in reports since the Boston Marathon, county officials said. From April 7 to 13, the week prior to the Boston Marathon, county residents reporteed 186 incidents of "suspicious activity." That increased to 311 incidents in the week from April 14 to 20.

Henderson said officials would rather be safe and check into any reports when they are received.

"Without the cooperation of residents, and their awareness, our job becomes even more difficult," Moffatt said. "If you see something, you should say something."

(Editor's Note: Written entirely from a press release supplied by Allegheny County spokeswoman Amie Downs.)

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