MDEA using high-tech tool
The Maine Drug Enforcement Agency’s newest crime fighting tool — a mobile application — is now available for Android or iPhone.
This smartphone application makes it easier to contact MDEA and send information to the agency. It includes features for submitting tips, feedback and questions and is available free to the public and is also free of any advertisements or pop ups.
The smartphone application or “app” can be downloaded for free by searching for “My Police Department” or “MyPD” in the iTunes or the Android marketplace.
“We are proud to utilize this technology.” said MDEA Director Roy McKinney. “Our goal is to increase the flow of information, allowing users to easily send messages and also providing them with MDEA news and updates.”
The home screen contains a number of functions with more found in the bottom menu, which activates upon touch or swipe. All of the forms can be sent anonymously to the agency, though we encourage an email address or phone number if you would like a response. Users also have the availability to upload photos.
“We are hoping Maine citizens use this app to communicate with us,” said MDEA Division Commander Darrell Crandall. “The apps questions and feedback feature allows the user to choose a topic from the dropdown menu that best suits them. We have the ability to add more topics at any time and will continue to add topics to give the public as many options as possible.”
MDEA is also reaching out to the public on Twitter @MDEA_Maine.
“We believe in providing up to date information and reaching out to Maine with information of interest to them. Twitter and our MyPD app allow us to do that,”said McKinney.
MDEA already has a large following of over 4,300 on its Facebook page and is finding the use of these sites to be an effective way to distribute current information and suspect descriptions. There is also a Twitter feed in the Facebook menu as well as a contact form that can be used to send general inquiries to the agency.
“We will continue to add to our Facebook page in the future to give users more information and tools,” said McKinney. “It is important for us to keep pushing forward and embracing technology to assist with our mission and reaching out to Maine communities. As is the case with our email, tips, and Facebook, this app and our Twitter is not for any type of emergency situation. The MDEA will attempt to review all messages in a timely fashion but do not always actively monitor all messages and activity at all times.”
More app information can be found on the MDEA website at www.maine.gov/dps/mdea/ and the MyPD police app website http://MyPDapp.com.
