Bloomfield Township Police Using More Technology for External Communications

Editor's Note: The Bloomfield Township Police Department indicated a problem existed with iPhone users of the mobile app and the CRIMEDAR crime map on it's Facebook page Monday morning. "It should be resolved soon, if it hasn't already . . . The APP developer will have the map of Bloomfield Township zoomed out upon opening the CRIMEDAR portion of the app." according to the post.

The Bloomfield Township Police Department started using the best technology available to communicate internally as well as with other departments and first responders several years ago.

Now it's beginning to use the latest innovations in technology to communicate better with the media and directly with citizens. Beginning this week, the department will begin sharing a weekly crime summary exclusively on it's Facebook page, officials said. 

Earlier this month, the department launched it's own mobile app that allows for immediate updates of traffic issues, emergencies, and other public safety matters. The system even supports text messages from the department that will alert citizens to missing persons in the area, traffic congestion and more.

Anyone can register as long as your phone supports text messaging. Visit the Township's website for more information.

"We want to make it easy to get important information out and to have more of a community presence through social media," Capt. Scott McCanham said. He is charged with making sure the new efforts fit the department's communications policies, which will be updated.

"Really good app. Got the notice about the telegraph lane closures just in time! Thanks," wrote Barbara Derian recently on the department Facebook Page.

Crime Mapping

Also new to citizens interested in Bloomfield Township police news is the department's use of the online crime mapping system, CRIMEDAR. The service allows viewers to see a map of the city with the date, time, location and description of all reported police incidents around Bloomfield Township, including assaults, burglaries and robberies.

The CRIMEDAR map also features icons depicting various types of crimes, giving residents a quick look at potential crime patterns. The incidents remain on the map for two weeks and are then saved in an archived area.

Birmingham and Troy police department's also use the program.

Continue to check back with Bloomfield Patch for regular updates on crime and public safety news, and follow us on Facebook and Twitter for up-to-the minute coverage.