Northville Township Police Launches Citizen Engagement Tool

Residents of Northville Township will be some of the first in the state to access new software to keep them updated when involved in a police incident.

The Northville Township Police Department launched PowerEngage Tuesday, Oct. 22, a new tool that uses text messaging to keep residents informed when experiencing a non-life-threatening incident. It also collects feedback to gauge residents’ satisfaction about the interaction with the Police Department, allowing the Department to better connect with the community it serves.

“The Northville Township Police Department is always looking for innovate ways to serve, connect and engage with our community,” said Director of Public Safety and Chief of Police Scott Hilden. “In today’s on-demand society, we recognize the importance of sharing progress as it happens with those involved in a case. It comforts people knowing they are top of mind with our officers. Using this tool, helps us expedite the process and it allows us to discover how the public feels about the job we are doing.”

A sample text may include notification when an officer has been dispatched to the resident’s location, the case number and pre-arrival instructions. They may include, “Officers are on the way to the crash you reported. If you were involved in the crash, be sure to wait in a safe location. Please move vehicles off of the roadway, if possible.”

Text messages are sent minutes, hours or, if more investigation is involved, days after the incident and will ask citizens to take a quick survey about their experience with their call for service. It also will allow residents to provide their own comments or have an opportunity to thank the responding officer.

“Of course, if our residents prefer to call or stop by with feedback, we welcome that as well,” Chief Hilden said. “We now provide more options with the help of PowerEngage, and we want our residents to know that it’s not a substitute for a personal interaction or for calling 9-1-1 for any emergency or to report criminal activity.”

Another benefit is the information provides key data to help Northville Township Police understand its strengths and improve its weakness.

“Our commitment to providing excellent service never wavers,” Chief Hilden said. “With every initiative and innovation, we strive to leave Northville Township and our agency in a better place.”

“We are embracing this technology because it will help our residents and that’s so important,” said Northville Township Supervisor Mark J. Abbo. “Information soothes you when you’ve been touched by an incident. It also helps because it shows the Northville Township Police Department is actively working to assist you. We strive to be helpful in everything we do and it begins with transparency and two-way communication.”