The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA) introduced iWatch RTA, a free app that allows customers to communicate with Transit Police anonymously.
The app is expected to help customers assist RTA in safety and security matters throughout the rail and bus system. The free iWatch RTA app is available on iPhone and Android.
The new service is in addition to existing RTA security and safety measures, including its “When You See Something, Say Something.”
"Adding an anonymous reporting system encourages people to send tips," said Chief John Joyce, RTA Transit Police. "Adding iWatch RTA expands our reach, in addition to the presence of officers on the buses, trains, at stations and on the streets, it is an extremely important tool and a great benefit to our customers."
The iWatch app and system was created by ithinqware, a company in Dallas, to specifically assist police agencies and enhance their technology to assist the public.
The start-up costs for RTA to bring iWatch online and connect it into Transit Police are approximately $5,000, which came from a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) grant, along with monthly service fees. This app enhances RTA's effort to assist DHS in terrorism prevention.