Norton Police Department Offering Phone App to Public

is taking part in a social media initiative to stay connected to the public. The Department will offer a free application or "app" for Android and iPhone. 

The phone application or “app” can be downloaded free by searching for My Police Department or MyPD in the iPhone or Android marketplace. The app is packed with ways to contact the Norton police and send information to the department.

This app includes features for checking on the latest news, social media postings, directions, department contacts, submitting feedback and questions, department surveys, submitting crime tips and more.

 The app is available to the public free of charge and is also free of any advertisements.

 This newest technology allows us to increase the flow of information, allowing users to easily send us messages or ask questions, while also providing them with our latest news and services in one easy to use app. 

The department home screen contains a number of functions with more found in the bottom menu which activates upon touch or swipe.

 Some features, the survey icon for example, will only appear on the app when a survey is currently being conducted.

 The Norton Police app’s crime tips or questions and feedback features allows a user to choose a topic from the forms dropdown menu that best suits them and that message will then be routed to the correct Officer. 

"We are attempting to remove much of the guess work on who to contact about a certain issue," said Norton Police Chief Brian Clark in a press release.

All of the forms can be sent anonymously to the department, though they encourage an email address or phone number if you would like a response. Users also have the availability to upload photos and GPS information with the app forms. 

As is the case with the Department's email, tip sites and social media pages, the app is not for any type of emergency situation. The Norton Police attempt to review all messages in a timely fashion but do not always monitor messages and activity at all times. The app is for routine questions and information sharing. 9-1-1 is always the method for emergency situations or response. The app also allows users to directly call the Norton Police from their phone. Calls from cellular phones to 911 otherwise go to the State Police, not the local communities.

"We hope the public finds our efforts to utilize this mobile app technology helpful and informative," Clark said. "The department is always open to suggestions and feedback from our citizens."