Eric D. Lawrence

Detroit Free Press

Beginning next week, you'll be able to get crime updates from the Detroit Police Department, make anonymous incident reports and view wanted posters via your smartphone or electronic tablet.

Mobile development company Detroit Labs created the DPD Connect app for the Police Department, and it will officially be launched at 1 p.m. Monday at the Detroit Public Safety Headquarters. A release said the app for Apple and Android powered devices was created at no cost to the city.

According to a news release:

"... The new app, which can be downloaded for free, provides community members with up-to-date news — including positive information, crime updates, relevant city stats and posts about wanted criminals. Additionally, the app features an anonymous tip tool for easily reporting non-emergency incidents to a channel that is monitored 24/7, and easy-to-find contact information through a simplified database of important city resources, including animal control, parking enforcement and more."

The release said the department and Detroit Labs "recognized a strategic, forward-thinking and innovative opportunity to connect with the community at large on their mobile devices — creating an enhanced digital relationship between community members, the DPD and additional city services."

Contact Eric D. Lawrence: elawrence@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter: @_ericdlawrence