Police iWatch - Crime Tips Reporting Program

About the Program

Category: Information Technology (Best in Category)

Year: 2012

The Baltimore County Police Department (BCPD) and the Office of Information Technology (OIT) implemented iWatch, an automated tracking system to receive, categorize, and track incoming crime tips from the community. iWatch is promoted to Baltimore County citizens as neighborhood awareness online web program that enables County citizens to enter information regarding their tips on an easy to use comprehensive screen. iWatch encourages citizens to be involved in crime prevention in Baltimore County by educating and encouraging citizens to vigilantly watch around them and report suspicious behaviors that may have connections to crime, as well as local, state, or national security threats. Additionally, in cases where information coming into the BCPD is challenging to track, iWatch allows them to track and analyze crime tip information more efficiently. This automated tracking system has not only strengthened police procedures, but it has also encouraged the public to become involved with the protection of their community.