The Hollister Police Department announced its first major app update: MyPD version 3, adding new user features, upgraded integrations, and a new, sleek user interface.
The updated app is available now to the public. Current users can opt-in to the app update, or new users can download it now by searching the iPhone or Android app stores for MyPD or My Police Department. The launch also includes support for the latest software and phones from Apple and Google.
The app includes 10 new features, including information for victims, traffic updates, missing children, and similar resources. Older features were also updated. The HPD says the app is “easy to use with well-designed icons which are easy to browse from the main screen or slide up menu.”
“The public can get updates from the police department as push notifications” said Chief Westrick. “We can send the notifications through Twitter or our dashboard and the user doesn’t need an account or to worry about missing an important message.”
Sending in tips about crimes or other quality of life issues is another way citizens can use the Hollister Police MyPD app. It allows the user to either attach their contact information or send it anonymously. Photos and GPS locations of incidents can also be attached from either the phones gallery or live camera.
While the app links to or integrates with some social media, it is not another social network. There are no ads on the app and no account is necessary to use MyPD.
“The MyPD app is not meant to replace those or be another social network for people to join. It is a resource for the public, so when they need to send a crime tip, or want to research something, they have it available,” Westrick said.
While the app itself is not a social media platform, it does have some social aspects to it and has added an interesting feature where users can “unlock” badges the more they use the app and interact with the police department.
MyPD is free for the public, contains no advertising, and users do not need to share personal information or set up an account to use the app. Any information sharing is optional. The app also now lets users share some basic anonymous data about their age, gender, or how they found out about the app. This is optional and if shared will help the department to better understand who is using the app, how they found it, and if they live or work in the city.
Citizens looking to connect with the Hollister Police Department should search for “MyPD” in their app store. Once the app is downloaded and the agency chosen it will always open to the Hollister Police Department and its resources. For additional information about the My Police Department app users can visit: MyPDapp.com or hollisterpolice.org.