MyPolice, the startup aiming to open up social engagement for Police forces in the UK, is launching today. In a nutshell, the web app aims to make it easier for the public to understand the way their communities are policed, while improving the ability of the police force to communicate new developments, explain its aims and achievements and even challenges.
Primarily, the engagement platform allows people to send feedback and give their opinion about about their experiences, both positive and negative. MyPolice aim to ensure this feedback is responded to by the relevant police department/ individual. Secondly, it is an impartial, independent space where people can find out who their local police are, and what they do. Finally, MyPolice collects data based on real customer experience and feeds it back to the police, which creates a deeper understanding of what the public wants, bringing the police and public closer together. From the Police force’s perspective, MyPolice provides a way to collect data and analysis for decision makers to make policy decisions and identify opportunities to improve their service.
Tayside Police is the first force to take up this social engagement tool – with the initial 3 month trial for the South Perthshire area. After the trial, MyPolice aims to open its doors nationwide.
Of course, this isn’t the first time we’ve written about MyPolice. I first met Sarah back in Social Innovation Camp when the idea was being fleshed out. Then she was one of our 60 second interviewees. Then we wrote about them when the HMIC tried to take the MyPolice name and won!.
It’s been quite a ride for Lauren Currie and Sarah Drummond. From the initial idea back in June 2009, they’ve painstakingly worked to understand the complexities of the Police force, and deliver something which takes public engagement to a whole new level. On a personal level I’m so pleased to see the website getting launched, and I hope that the pilot exceed their expectations.
You can check out the Tayside version of MyPolice here: http://www.tayside.mypolice.org
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