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4/16/2019
Metra Police yesterday launched a mobile application to enable riders on the Chicago commuter-rail service to discretely report crimes and suspicious activity from a train or station.
The Metra COPS app allows riders to send a description along with a photo or video of the issue being reported. The app automatically disables the user’s smartphone flash to ensure discretion, and reports can be made anonymously, according to a Metra press release.
Metra Police dispatchers can respond to users through the app, send out advisories and broadcast alerts.
The app is meant for the reporting of safety and security issues, such as a crime in progress, disruptive or aggressive behavior, suspicious activity, unattended bags or packages, vandalism, panhandling and fare evasion.
Metra COPS is available on Apple and Android platforms.
In December 2018, Metra's board approved a five-year, $274,000 contract with ELERTS Corp. to provide Metra with an incident reporting system for smartphones.
The contracted work is being funded entirely by the Federal Emergency Management Agency Transit Security Grant Program.