The Youngstown Police Department announced Wednesday that their detective division has joined a security camera app in an effort to connect with residents.
 
YPD posted to social media that the department will now view video and information shared by residents on Neighbors App by Ring. 
 
"We often go around looking for cameras for folks to help us out, but I'm not going to say we haven't ever missed a house, right? Or don't think of a particular house that might have one," said Capt. Jason Simon. "And with this app that certainly opens us up to other homes that might have cameras."
 
Police say they can also use the app to chime-in with relevant updates or safety alerts.
 
"Our detectives are really technology minded and the more information that they can push out to the public with the kinds of platforms everyone is using now, including these Neighborhood apps, the more cases we will be able to solve from something simple like a stolen bicycle to something as serious as a homicide," said Simon.
 
The app is operated by the Ring™ Video Doorbell company.
 
According to the company, users can create a radius around their home or location in which they want to receive alerts about crime or safety concerns. If anyone within that radius shares an alert on the app, such as a video or photo, a user will get a notification on their phone or tablet. Users can then comment on the alerts to provide additional information.
 
According to Ring, users do not need a Ring device to join the Neighbors app. Anyone with a smartphone can download the app.
 
Youngstown Police are asking residents to help spread the word.
 
They also remind residents to report criminal activity or emergency situation directly to the department by calling 330-747-7911 or 911.