The Watsonville Police Department has launched two online tools that provide residents with the latest information of what’s happening in the city and direct access to a crime reporting system.
WPD is the only agency in Santa Cruz County and one of the very few on the Central Coast currently offering a free mobile app. This is another way for the department to connect and expand its two-way communication with the community.
The app, available to Android and Apple users, allows officers to send emergency alerts, post news about traffic delays, missing persons and crime reports. During an emergency, app users will immediately receive a notification on their mobile devices.
The user-friendly app lets residents send comments, photos, and crime tips – anonymously if they wish- and place calls to the Watsonville Police Department.
Through the Watsonville Police Department app, the community also has access to our new online reporting system. This feature is available under the “Links” section of the mobile app.
With this reporting system, residents can file certain incident types (minor theft, vehicle burglary, lost property, hit-and-run, crimes tips, etc.) over the internet and at their convenience. They can submit the report without having to wait for an officer to respond or call them back.
Police staff will review the report and the filing person will receive an email once it’s approved. The report will receive the same investigation and statistical analysis as if a police officer had filed the report.
It’s expected that this online tool will free up time for officers to address other community needs.
Residents can also access the reporting service at www.watsonvillepd.com. A Spanish version is already in the works.
The app and online crime reporting system are valuable tools to keep the city safe and improve communication between the department and residents.
-Inside Look at Watsonville Police Department's Mobile App : http://bit.ly/WatsonvillePDApp
-How to Report a Crime Online: http://bit.ly/WPDReportOnline