Report crime in Dallas with your smartphone

We have seen mobile phones being used to capture videos and images of crimes and now we see the Dallas police department taking steps to enhance smartphone functionality. If you live in the Dallas area and have an iOS, Android, BlackBerry, or Symbian smartphone you can install iWatch Dallas and anonymously report suspicious behavior and activity. Keep in mind this in NOT a 911 replacement if you see a crime in process, but if there is something else going on that is suspicious you may want to report it through this system.

In addition to the multiple smartphone apps, you can send in your tips online at iWatchDallas.net, via text message, and via a phone call. Once the tips are received, they are sent to the Dallas police department's intelligence gathering and analysis unit, known as The Fusion Center. They then figure out which tips are actionable and send out units to investigate.

The types of crimes that may be sent in include narcotics, prostitution, burglary, auto theft, gang activities, theft, and more. Make sure to include the time of day, where it happened, acts witnessed, description of the suspects, vehicle model, color, and license plate number.

Have you heard of any other uses of smartphones for assisting law enforcement officials?