New smartphone app allows people to report crime anonymously

New York, August 13 (ANI): A new smartphone app will enable people to snap photos of suspected criminal activity or make a voice recording describing what they've seen and submit them to the authorities anonymously, hopefully circumventing the apprehension of some people to report crimes to the police.

Developed by Garth Narr, owner of Mobile App Depot, the new "Brooklyn Quality of Life" app will allow New Yorkers to report crimes - without going to the NYPD.

A team of retired law enforcement volunteers will share it with investigators through a private Facebook page, the New York Daily News reported.

State Senator Eric Adams (D-Brooklyn) who will unveil the app Sunday said, "It does away with the fear that people have - I don't want to walk into a precinct. I don't want to call the police and have them come to my house because the bad guys are going to see them."

Adams, a former cop, insisted he's not encouraging people not to call the police - but said many people in high-crime neighbourhoods won't report what they know about criminal activity no matter how much they're urged to do so because they fear retaliation or don't trust the police.

But some think it's a foolish idea.

"I think it's foolish. I think people can get hurt. An app for reporting a crime to the police is one thing, but going around the NYPD . . . that's a recipe for disaster. The quickest and most effective way is to call 911," said Sen. Marty Golden (R-Brooklyn), also a former cop.

But Adams said he planned to fully brief the NYPD about the app and hoped they would get onboard with using it for leads.

The program, available as a Google or Apple app or a mobile website, also sends out alerts to users about emergencies.

Designer Naar added the program makes it easier to send in photos and audio recordings.

"This is a great supplement [to call cops], because with 911, of course, you can't pass on an image or a video," he said. (ANI)