The Worcester (Mass.) police department recently unveiled a free police app to any resident of the city hoping to access police-related news, crime maps, social media alerts, a police scanner and the ability to submit an anonymous tip to the department.
After a bit of research, we found out that Worcester is just the latest in a long line of police departments across the country that are using mobile technology to help keep residents safe.
We wanted to jump on board.
We’ve identified 33 police-related apps designed to help current officers do their jobs better and help future crime fighters learn the tricks of the trade.
Even if you’re not a police officer or criminal justice student , we’ve included a section of apps developed around maintaining public safety and keeping you and your family safe.
Scroll through them all or jump right to the section that is the most relevant to you!
Police apps for current officers
1. Patrolman’s Vehicle Guide (Android & iOS, $1.99)
Since 2000, there have been more than 500 new vehicles introduced to America’s highways and byways. This app is quick reference guide for law enforcement officers while on patrol or interviewing witnesses. Photos can also be emailed to fellow officers.
2. Shooter (Android & iOS, $9.99)
Referred to as a “highly accurate ballistics calculator,” Shooter accounts for atmosphere, trajectory, angle, spin drift and the Coriolis Effect . You can also enter and manage all of your firearm/ammo information from your PC.
3. Police Field Interview Cards (Android, $5.99)
This app is designed to streamline the field interview process by allowing officers to create field contact reports and interview cards from their phones. The app organizes subjects’ personal information (bio-data), gang affiliation, tattoos, piercings, vehicle info and pictures.
4. Miranda Warnings (Android, $0.00)
Developed for both English and Spanish speakers, this app is a quick reference guide that reminds officers and suspects of individuals’ rights.
5. Police Spanish Guide (Android & iOS, $0.00)
This app provides a simple and effective way for police officers to overcome language barriers. Developed in a yes/no format, this app covers everything from routine traffic stops and lost children to domestic violence and interrogations.
6. US Cop (Android & iOS, $3.99)
This comprehensive app contains more than 1,400 pages of content related to, among other things, accident investigation formulas, law enforcement training modules, video tutorials, police news and up-to-date case law information.
7. Crime Scene Tracker (Android, $0.00)
This app was developed to help law enforcement professionals create digital recordings of hints, reminders and pieces of evidence from crime scenes. Crime scene information is superimposed on a Google Map for pinpoint accuracy and can be emailed or printed to be used by other officers.
8. Police Pad (Android, $2.99)
This app is an all-in-one tool for law enforcement and security professionals to document their shift without the fuss of pens, pencils, paper or notebooks. You can create and share custom events, notes, pictures and PDF reports.
9. PoliceOne (Android & iOS, $0.00)
This app allows law enforcement professionals to stay up-to-date on breaking police news, tactical tips, videos and expert columnist articles. Note: There is no sensitive information available through this app. To be able to access sensitive information, law enforcement officers can register at www.policeone.com .
10. Evidence Cam (Android, $0.99)
This app is a handy camera designed to be used in the field. On-screen photo information includes GPS coordinates, street address and time stamp. Menu options allow officers to include case file numbers, project numbers and information about subjects, suspects, victims and witnesses.
11. Cargo Decoder (Android & iOS, $0.00)
Based on the DOT placards present, this app is designed to tell first responders exactly what is inside every tanker truck they encounter. It provides information on toxic inhalation hazards, protective distance information and references material for hazmat personnel.
Police apps for future crime fighters
1. Police Academy App (Android, $0.00)
This app contains 16 different study guides for courses taught at local and state police academies. It requires an internet connection as the PDF guides can be quite big.
2. FlashFace (Android & iOS, $4.00)
For all those wannabe police sketch artists out there, FlashFace provides more than 800 facial components including eyes, nose, mouth, hair, head, eyebrows, glasses, mustache, jaw and beard. All sketches can be shared, scaled, saved and printed.
3. Smart Tools (Android, $2.50)
This app – which is actually a suite of five apps in one – appears to be as handy as a Swiss Army knife. It provides a compass, metal detector, sound meter, ruler, measuring tape, flashlight and magnifier. It would be equally useful to officers in the field or hikers in the woods.
4. National Law Enforcement Memorial Fund (Android & iOS, $0.00)
This app is designed to honor and remember the service and sacrifice of law enforcement officers across America. Use it to search the “Fallen Officers” database, be informed of new fatalities and stay up-to-date on news and information about the fund.
5. Police Sound Effects (Android, $0.00)
This app provides 21 separate but distinct sound effects common to police work. Police radio, sirens and funny tunes are all included and can be set as ringtones or alerts.
6. Signals (Android, $0.00)
This app provides a quick and simple reference point for various signals, including: police 10/11 codes, morse code, sign language, phonetic alphabet, underwater diving signals and Q-signals. These signals come in particularly handy when listening to police scanners or ham radio operators.
7. Glob – Traffic & Radar (Android, $0.00)
This app uses anonymous collection of your speed, location and direction to create a real-time map of road conditions, networks and traffic patterns.
8. CCW – Concealed Carry 50 States (Android & iOS, $1.49)
This app is designed to keep concealed carry (CCW) permit holders informed and up to date on firearm laws in all 50 states. The app is developed around a U.S. map which makes it particularly useful for planning trips across state borders. It also give one-touch access to local law enforcement in every state.
9. Forensics Guide (Android, $2.95)
This app is an A-Z glossary of terms, all pertaining to forensic science. User reviews suggest the app is very useful for forensic, law and law enforcement coursework.
Police apps for public safety
1. My Police Department (Android, $0.00)
Local, state and college police departments are accessible at your fingertips with this app. It was developed to connect the public with the police in order to build a strong community policing network. Note: Only those agencies that opt in are included here.
2. Sex Offender Search (Android & iOS, $0.00)
This app provides immediate access to the National Sex Offender Registry. In addition to names and addresses, this app offers photos, birth dates, descriptions and explanations of the convicted crimes for each known offender in your area.
3. Family Tracker (Android & iOS, $4.99)
This app allows users to use GPS to track any Android or iOS device and send free text messages between them. Users can track phones via the Internet. It also has the capability to force a sound when the phone is in vibrate or silent mode. And, users can send a “stealth ping” which forces an automatic location update of the device without the owner being notified.
4. ALDF Crime Tips (Android & iOS, $0.00)
This app from the Animal Legal Defense Fund gives users the ability to report the neglect and abuse of animals in their communities. Users can use their smartphones to add pictures, audio or video documentation of any incidents. Crime tips will immediately alert local law enforcement.
5. CCW – Concealed Carry 50 States (Android & iOS, $1.49)
This app is designed to keep concealed carry (CCW) permit holders informed and up to date on firearm laws in all 50 states. The app is developed around a U.S. map which makes it particularly useful for planning trips across state borders. It also give one-touch access to local law enforcement in every state.
6. Police Radio (Android, $0.99)
One of several police scanner apps out there, Police Radio allows you to listen to police, fire and EMT broadcasts from your phone. It also allows you to filter by city, county and country. Once you get used to the format, you’ll be ahead of the media on breaking news stories!
7. PoliceRadar (Android, $0.00)
This is a scanner app that uses Google Maps to display police traps, radar, speed cameras, accidents and other traffic disturbances. It was developed to be a social app in that users can add warnings for the benefit of other users. It also has a chat function.
8. First Aid (Android, $0.00)
A great app for anyone likely find themselves facing an emergency – whether you’re family or a first responder! It uses illustrations, videos and short text to ensure you use the right procedures in any situation.
9. CrimePush Security (Android & iOS, $0.00)
This is an award-winning safety and security app designed around allowing users to report crime or be alerted to dangerous situations. Some of the key functions include: school and university emergency notification; distress messaging; check-in notification; and shake alert.
10. NearParent (Android & iOS, $0.00)
This app allows parents to build a safe, secure network of trusted individuals that can help their children. Parents can set “home” and “school” tracking and receive alerts when their children leave those locations unexpectedly. It also notifies users of rapidly changing weather patterns.
11. Pocket Law (Android, $0.00)
This app was developed to provide consumers with all the legal information they need for interactions with law enforcement professionals. The app also contains a “record” function that allows users to record interactions with law enforcement personnel to ensure procedural integrity.
12. ICE – In Case of Emergency (Android, $3.99)
This app can literally be your voice in the event you become unconscious or incapacitated. It provides first responders with critical information including: emergency contacts, insurance information, primary physician, allergies, medications or unique medical conditions.
13. Blood Alcohol Content Calculator (Android, $0.00)
This app was developed to give users a rough estimate of their blood alcohol content (BAC) given their height, weight and drinking patterns. It also includes a database of common drinks and can offer information in either U.S. or metric measurements.
