The North Charleston Police Department (NCPD) has taken a significant step toward improving community safety and transparency with the official launch of its new app, Crimewatch. As part of a broader initiative to modernize communication between law enforcement agencies and the local community, this innovative digital tool allows residents to stay informed, involved, and connected like never before.
A New Era of Police-Community Communication
On July 2, NCPD rolled out Crimewatch, a mobile-optimized format application available on smartphones and tablets, and accessible via the department’s online reporting website. The launch was marked by a clear message from police officials: Crimewatch is now the most efficient way to receive real-time updates, alerts, and engage with law enforcement service teams.
This isn’t just about convenience , it’s about creating mechanisms of collaboration. From road closures like the one on the Don Holt Bridge on July 12 to incident reports, crime alerts, and community policing event updates, the platform provides a centralized source of trustworthy information.
According to Ron Camacho, the app enables two-way communication between the public and the police. “We can communicate directly with the community. They can communicate with us anonymously. We can start that good engagement, sharing information, and they can help us keep the community safer,” Camacho emphasized.
Key Features That Empower the Community
What makes Crimewatch especially impactful is its wide range of app features:
- Anonymous Crime Reporting: Residents can share tips anonymously, offering a safer way to report suspicious activity including shooting incidents, reckless driving, or a stolen vehicle pursuit.
- Security Camera Registration: Community members can voluntarily register security cameras from homes or businesses to assist in Criminal Investigations.
- Localized Alerts: Receive notifications on crimes, in-progress incidents, and events in places like West Ashley, Romney Street, or Spanish Oaks Apartments.
- Multilingual Support: Including Spanish options like notificaciones en tiempo real, tips anónimos, and mapa de incidentes to better engage Hispanic residents.
- Crime Mapping: Residents can use the Community Crime Map or crime map feature to view “hot spots” and become more aware of local threats.
Karen Cordray, Associate Chief of Administrative Support, highlighted the app’s reach: “We’ve got 554 subscribers with 11,434 views and that’s in just that short time it’s been open.” These numbers reflect a growing shift in how Municipal police are engaging citizens.
Building on Past Success
Chief Ron Camacho brings prior experience with the app from his previous department. Since adopting similar Crime Fighting Technology in 2016, Camacho has seen how increased community engagement can reduce crime and improve resolution rates across Charleston County.
The new version includes AI, Digital presence enhancements, and more integration with social tools like social media. Departments such as the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office, Charleston Police Department, and Sheriff’s Office jurisdictions are now evaluating the app’s potential for regional implementation.
“In my old department, it was not uncommon for us to get tips for other municipalities. We would share that information, and it helped solve incidents across borders,” Camacho said.
Transparency and Trust
The Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies and the American Corrections Association have praised tools like Crimewatch for building trust. By allowing anonymous tips and follow-ups, community leaders and citizen advisory committees are seeing improved engagement. With increasing population growth, Census reports suggest more citizens are demanding transparency from departments like Charleston County Sheriff’s Office and CPD officers.
“This is even more transparency in action,” Camacho stated. “I want that information from the community , they can give it to me anonymously or ask for a follow-up.”
A Tool for Every Concern
Whether addressing identity theft, theft from a vehicle, or even tracking teenagers with guns, the app is becoming indispensable. Tools such as real-time crime center integration, license plate reader system, and support for School Resource Officers, Animal Control, and the Traffic Unit make the app a complete Interactive crime information site.
Even niche departments such as the SWAT team, Explorer’s Post, and the Law Enforcement Detention Center will benefit from better data sharing. Partner initiatives like Project Lifesaver, Judicial Security, and mental health resources aligned with the National Commission on Correctional Health Care are already being discussed for integration.
Looking Ahead
North Charleston is now the first city in South Carolina to fully launch Crimewatch, putting it ahead of many jurisdictions in Charleston County. With roughly 300 departments nationwide using similar platforms, this digital leap positions the North Charleston Police Department as a national model for smarter, more inclusive public service.
About Ted Law Firm
At Ted Law Firm , we believe that public safety and access to justice go hand in hand. As a dedicated legal team serving South Carolina, we support efforts from the Charleston Police Department, North Charleston Police Department, and other law enforcement agencies to improve transparency and safety. We serve families across Aiken, Anderson, Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, Myrtle Beach, North Augusta and Orangeburg. If you or a loved one has been affected by a crime or incident in Charleston County, our attorneys are here to provide compassionate guidance and strong legal representation .Contact us today for a free consultation,
