KUCHING: The Volunteer Smartphone Patrol (VSP) application provides the public with another channel to submit crime-related information to the police.
Kota Samarahan district police’s Head of Crime Prevention and Community Safety Division Inspector Hailwandi Suhaili said many residents remained unfamiliar with the application despite its introduction in 2016.
“Through the application, we can monitor information submitted by the public and determine which police division should take action,” he said when speaking during the Local Enforcement Agencies Dialogue with the Community at Open University Malaysia (OUM) Kuching here today (Aug 22).
Users can submit information on suspicious activities together with photographs, videos and location coordinates, while the informant’s identity is kept confidential.
Hailwandi said information received through VSP had previously prompted investigations into suspected drug activities, traffic offences and suspicious individuals.
The application also allows residents to notify the police when leaving their homes unattended, enabling patrol teams to conduct checks during their absence.
However, Hailwandi stressed that crimes in progress and other emergencies should still be reported immediately by telephone.
“Do not spend time recording an incident or posting it on social media before calling the police. We need to be informed immediately so that action can be taken quickly,” he said.
