Thanks to a joint venture undertaken by the Montgomery County Department of Public Safety and the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office, a free mobile app is now available that allows residents to anonymously report crimes to county law enforcement.
To secure the app—
titled STOPit—residents must download it from the App Store for iPhones or Google Play for Android, then input the access code “MONTCOPA,” allowing them to download the correct version. Montgomery County becomes the first jurisdiction in the state of Pennsylvania to deploy such an app, and they become the second jurisdiction in the country to utilize STOPit in a law enforcement capacity.
“In Montgomery County, we are fortunate that residents take the safety of their community seriously and realize that they are part of that effort, coming forward as witnesses to crimes and standing up for victims,” said Kevin R. Steele,
Montgomery County District Attorney. “People’s cell phones are never far from their fingertips, and this app makes cell phones a powerful tool in fighting crime by allowing residents to anonymously share what they know and see, especially about drug dealing and homicides right in their own neighborhood or whenever they go about their business.”
Officials state that the app is simple to use, only requiring the user to push a “report” button, followed by texting the crime information. The app also allows the user to attach photos and video, if necessary. Tips are then sent to the county
9-1-1 Emergency Communications Center, where they are then distributed to the proper agency based on urgency and need.
“This innovative app is a 21st century version of the old-fashioned tip line that provides a safe way for victims, bystanders and concerned citizens to help combat the crimes and hazards in their community,” said
Dr. Val Arkoosh, chairperson of the Montgomery County Commissioners. “Every Montgomery County residents now holds the ability to help create a safer neighborhood in the palm of their hand. This app is another example of how Montgomery County is using technology to help make the county a great place to live, work and visit.”
Somerset, N.J. is the only other municipality in the nation to also utilize the STOPit app for law enforcement purposes.
They began their usage in October 2017, and since then, more than 1,000 residents have downloaded the app, leading to 41 arrests made from the more than 200 anonymous tips received through the app.
