App users get nearby crisis notifications in Police test

Dutch Police kicked off the trial of a new mobile app that notifies smartphone users with location-specific messages about a danger or a crisis. The pilot program is being tested in Eindhoven, Noord Brabant, as part of the police Mobile Media Lab program.

Police say that during an urgent event, like a nearby fire or a burglary on the same street, users are sent push notifications to be extra alert, to take action or inform the police.

Anyone in the Netherlands can download the free application. During the test phase, notifications will be sent out both to residents of Eindhoven and also visitors to the city.