APD announces web-based crime alerts

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Austin residents can now use new information to help fight crime.

On Monday, Austin police announced it will provide up-to-date crime information via the Citizen Observer Web site .

According to the site, “Citizen Observer...enables citizens to receive and respond to text, e-mail, and web alerts from your agency.”

An APD spokesperson said the web-based alerts will be faster and more up-to-date than its competitors like SpotCrime . Austin residents will be able to get information on crime trends, the latest crimes, weather alerts, and even amber alerts on the site. Officials say Austinites can also send tips to APD through the site.

“It would kind of let me know what’s going on in this neighborhood,” said Mike Timmer who lives off 11th Street in East Austin.

Timmer said his vehicles have been the target of three break-ins over the past year.

He said the new information could “…help me keep my eyes open, [especially] if I see patterns emerge.”

APD formally launched the program on Monday.