The local digital agency responsible for developing Cleveland’s first ever policing and crime app, COPA, have taken home an award at the Tees Tech Awards.
Middlesbrough-based Alt Labs took home the ‘Tech for Good’ award for their work on COPA, which is the first community relations app of its kind in the UK.
The brainchild of Police and Crime Commissioner Steve Turner, the app gives residents another way of engaging with the PCC and police – and seeks to reduce demand on Cleveland Police’s contact centre.
After an open search for a developer, Alt Labs were appointed to develop the app and support the PCC’s team to develop it further over the next couple of years.
More than 5,000 people have now downloaded COPA to their smartphones since its launch last September.
Many of the reports received through the app have allowed officers to track down nuisance bikes or quads – and a number of arrests have been made.
Police and Crime Commissioner Steve Turner said: “Two years ago many people thought my idea for a policing app would never get off the ground. I was determined to make it happen though and set about finding a local company that could bring my idea to life.
“Now the brilliant team at Alt Labs secured independent recognition for building this one-of-a-kind app which is helping to fight crime and antisocial behaviour in our communities.
“I’m so proud of everyone that’s been involved with this project and I guarantee this will be the first of many awards COPA, and Alt Labs, wins.”
Find out more and download the app!
IT’S A FAIR COPA!……Cleveland PCC Steve Turner with Alt Labs CEO Imran Anwar, left, and Chief Superintendent Paul Waugh, centre, at COPA launch in September 2022.