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Chester Police Department Unveils New App To Help Fight Crime

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CHESTER, Pa. (CBS) -- The City of Chester is becoming more technologically savvy when it comes to fighting crime.

Its newest crime-fighting tool can be found at your fingertips via a new smartphone app.  City officials launched the new free app on Jan. 17 hoping it continues to help with a drastic downward spiral in crime statistics.

"Our official 2018 crime stats show a 40 percent drop in homicides when compared to 2017," said Mayor Thaddeus Kirkland.

While Chester officials say the city's overall crime rate is down, they believe this new way of communicating with citizens will go a long way in keeping crime down.

 

WATCH LIVE: City Of Chester Police Department is unveiling a new police app. DETAILS: https://cbsloc.al/2UrQ9DS

Posted by CBS Philly on Tuesday, January 29, 2019

"This is an opportunity to bridge the gap between us and the community," said Chester Police Commissioner Otis Blair.

All tips and information provided through this app can remain anonymous. Residents can also submit up to four photos from a scene and get the very latest notifications on crime happening throughout the city.

Although the app is only in its second week of operation, Joy Taylor, who helped to create the new crime-fighting app, says there's already evidence it's working.

"Last night we began uploading most wanteds so they could be the most current persons that the department is looking for. And we've gotten shares, likes, comments, it's been amazing," said Taylor.

Download the Chester Police Department mobile app onto your smartphone or tablet.

CLICK HERE to download the app on iTunes.

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