Vestal Police launch Crimewatch digital tool

VESTAL, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH) — Vestal Police have a new tool for fighting crime and connecting with the public.

The department is the first in the Southern Tier to launch a Crimewatch webpage. The interactive page is designed to allow residents to report crimes, submit tips and access information about recent events.

Among the many functions, users can register their home when they’re going on vacation, request police patrols and submit a compliment or a complaint about an officer. Captain Christopher Streno says anyone can subscribe for notifications through email or a mobile app.

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“You don’t have to worry about calling a phone tree and getting ahold of the right officer or the right supervisor. You go right on here, you make a few clicks and you send in your complaint, your issue, your concern and it’s immediately going to be distributed to the right personnel in the police department. It will help get it addressed quickly,” Streno said.

Streno says Vestal Police would also like residents to register their security cameras so that detectives can more quickly seek available evidence when investigating a crime. He says more features will be added including a list of warrants, most wanted suspects and information on arrests.

Broome County provided almost $30,000 in a Small Communities grant to pay for the first 3 years of the service. To subscribe, go to TownofVestalPolice.org

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