Gwent Police launches bilingual smart phone and tablet App

It's one of the first Police Apps in the UK to have been developed in-house and without the services of an external company.

The App, is designed for, and currently works only on iPhones and iPads, however there are plans for roll out to other devices in the very near future.

It's free to download and is filled with useful information for Gwent residents and visitors such as the names and contact details of all local neighbourhood officers in each of our 136 wards, information about current priorities in each area, news and appeals, and details about forthcoming PACT meetings or surgeries.

Gwent Police and Crime Commissioner Ian Johnston commented: "This is an exciting new initiative for Gwent Police and will help to keep smart phone and tablet users in touch with local issues and give them the ability to contact their local officers. In addition the App provides an invaluable channel for officers to provide information and advice during major incidents or events.

"The App won't replace other forms of communication such as face to face briefings, newsletters, local surgeries and social media, but will in fact complement these existing channels. The opportunities that this App provides will further enhance the Force's ability to interact with the community and it also allows an immediacy that can only be of benefit to everyone using it.

"During my election campaign I made it clear that communication between Gwent Police and public must be a two way process and that this communication must be improved.

"This App is a step in the right direction and I hope that local residents with tablets and smart phones will download it and give it a try."

Stuart John, Head of Gwent Police Corporate Communications added:

"This is not the first Police App but it's one of the first Police App to be developed in house without the need to employ the services of an external company.

"It's also the first UK Police App which is 'Universal' and has a native version for both tablet and smart phone.

"Whilst the development and creation of the bilingual App has been led by the highly skilled Digital Communications team this has been a real team effort with other members of the Communications department also contributing.

"In addition we've had input from members of the public in regards to the content and testing.
"Feedback from the public will continue to be very important as we update and improve it over the coming years."

The App is live on the Apple App Store and is available for immediate download to iPhones or iPads at: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/gwent-police/id582654273 or by searching for 'Gwent Police'