App charts police officer movements

Residents can chart the movements of their nearest police officer through a mobile phone app launched today.

Surrey Police claims its "trailblazing" gadget will help users chart crime and engage with officers.

The interactive app allows people to see where their neighbourhood officers are and what they are working on.

Policing Minister Nick Herbert said the technology will help deliver greater transparency.

"We want to provide communities with the information they need so that they are empowered to work together with the police to tackle the issues that matter to them locally," he said.

"This new app not only gives residents in Surrey the ability to view what crimes are happening on their streets in a convenient format, but crucially provides them with live updates on where and how their local neighbourhood police teams are taking action to tackle issues."

Users will also be able to find details about their local neighbourhood officers and how to contact them along with information about local events.

The app is now available for free public download from the Apple iPhone App Store and will soon be available for the Google Android market and BlackBerry.

It can be used in the Runnymede area of Surrey only - but it is hoped to be in countywide use eventually.

Surrey Chief Superintendent Gavin Stephens said: "Members of the public, who are ever busier and more mobile, use our services differently now and at a time of stretched police budgets, this application offers a simple and cost-effective way of helping us engage with them."

The app was developed in the wake of the Home Secretary's unveiling of crime mapping website http://www.police.uk to help people find out what was really going on in their area.

AP