Members of the community can now connect with local police on the go.

The Cranston Police Department Tuesday announced it is utilizing the free smartphone app “My Police Department,” or “MyPD,” available for both iPhones and Android devices.

“The Cranston Police Department is committed to enhancing the relationship between the police department and the citizens we proudly serve. This free app is yet another example of our commitment to provide new and innovative ways to stay connected to our residents and business owners,” Chief of Police Col. Michael J. Winquist said through a press release.

The department’s profile on the app includes multiple features, including a set of four background screens that can be updated with announcements or images; a directory of department personnel; options to submit a tip, or commend an officer; a link to the department’s Twitter feed; a link to the city’s crime map; and other links and resources. Photographs and GPS locations of incidents can be sent to police through the app.

No profile is required to use MyPD, although one may be created. Users submitting tips may remain anonymous. The app is advertisement-free, and police in their news release stressed it is not a social media network.

“The Cranston Police Department has been active on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube for quite some time,” said Capt. Vincent McAteer III, head of the department’s Office of Community Outreach, through the release. “The MyPD app is not meant to replace those or be another social network. It is a tool for citizens to keep on their phones so when they need a phone number, to send a crime tip, or want to research something they have it readily available in an easy to use app.”

MyPD can be found by searching that term in a mobile device user’s app store. Additional information is available at MyPDapp.com.