When the epic manhunt for Eric Frein began last month, the first warrant-and-reward notice was released through PA Crime Stoppers, managed by Pennsylvania State Police and the first paying customer of CRIMEWATCH PA.
The Frein alert was quickly syndicated across the CRIMEWATCH PA network, generating over 200,000 unique views in September and hundreds of tips to the State Police.
Based in Carlisle, CRIMEWATCH PA is a system comprised of law enforcement websites, social media accounts and a mobile application that facilitates the distribution of local crime information. It allows law enforcement agencies to manage, organize and control fugitive and offender data, and quickly share it with the public and each other. From arrests and investigations to full fugitive profiles and a tip submission platform, CRIMEWATCH enables law enforcement to have a unified virtual presence.
With functions including crime mapping, notifications and tip submission, the subscription-based service eliminates the need for agencies to build or maintain their own websites and social media presences. The company just announced the launch of its 2.0 platform.
Twenty active police departments in Central Pennsylvania already use the CRIMEWATCH PA technology. Over 500 actionable tips have led to more than 100 arrests in a year, and the network has helped police identify and capture individuals wanted or suspected in connection to crimes ranging from shoplifting to child sexual assault.
“We’ve been having tremendous success in helping police act more transparently, engaging the public and using technology to assist in investigations,” says CRIMEWATCH PA's Matt Bloom.
For now, the platform is marketed to qualified Pennsylvania police agencies. Next year, Bloom plans to expand CRIMEWATCH PA throughout the mid-Atlantic region, hoping to reach 300 police departments and clear its first million in revenue.
The company just hired a new chief technology officer and anticipates adding customer service, sales and industry experts to its payroll next year. In September, CRIMEWATCH PA received an investment from Benjamin Franklin Technology Partners of Central and Northern Pennsylvania.
Source: Matt Bloom, CRIMEWATCH PA
Writer: Elise Vider