Yonkers Police Launch New Phone App For Tipsters, Residents

YONKERS, N.Y. -- Yonkers residents wanting to know the latest road closures or up-to-date crime news have a new tool right at their fingertips via the Yonkers Police Department's new phone app.

Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano announces the debut of the Police Department's new phone app, which lets callers give officers anonymous tips.
Photo Credit: *Facebook*

The Yonkers Police Department has unveiled its new phone app, which connects residents with news and the department's tipster line.
Photo Credit: *Yonkers PD/Facebook*

K Reakes

06/21/2016 3:30 p.m.

The app, available for free from the Apple App Store or from the Google Play Store for Android devices, will also connect residents to the department's tipster line -- Tip 411, which allows them to report crimes anonymously through the Citizen Observer system.

"We are one of the first agencies to bring an app directly to the residents," said Mayor Mike Spano. "With the app, we will be fighting crime together."

The app also allows residents to connect to the department's social media channels such as Facebook and Twitter.

Detective Lt. Patrick McMormack said the Tip 411 option has been very valuable to the department, especially when it came to drug violations. But, he added it has also helped uncover larger crimes and even helped save a suicidal woman.

And, McCormack said, the tips really are anonymous by coming through the third-party Citizen Observer. All identifying numbers are removed before the information is sent to officers, who monitor the line and can respond immediately.

Residents also can still use the tip line by texting YPD at 847411.

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