Best of 12 crime alerts on mobile Android, iPhone

Stay informed and protected with the best crime alerts on mobile. From Scanner Radio and Police Scanner to the MobilePatrol Public Safety App, these apps provide real-time access to crime alerts, scanner audio, and community safety information.

App Logo Available On Reviews Downloads Features
1. Scanner Radio Scanner Radio Icon Android, iOS 4.6/5 38M+ Live audio from 8000+ scanners, Notifications for major events
2. Police Scanner Police Scanner Icon Android, iOS 4.8/5 10M+ Live audio of public safety, Breaking news alerts, Wildfire map and info
3. MobilePatrol Public Safety App MobilePatrol Public Safety App Icon Android, iOS 2.8/5 7M+ Neighborhood-specific alerts, Real-time safety updates
4. Neighbors by Ring Neighbors by Ring Icon Android, iOS 4.8/5 5M+ Real-time crime alerts, Safety alerts, Community involvement
5. Citizen Citizen Icon Android, iOS 3.3/5 5M+ Real-time safety alerts, Live video of incidents, Friend safety status
6. Sex Offender Lookup Sex Offender Lookup Icon Android, iOS 3.9/5 1M+ Criminal Background Checks, Local Sex Offender Maps
7. SpotCrime+ Crime Map SpotCrime+ Crime Map Icon Android, iOS 3.6/5 290K+ Real-time crime alerts, Neighborhood crime details
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1. Scanner Radio

Scanner Radio Icon

Live audio from scanners, Notifications for major events, Directory by location and genre


Cost: Scanner Radio (Free), Scanner Radio Pro ($2.99)

Stay informed and protected with Scanner Radio, the ultimate crime alerts app. With live breaking news and real-time updates, you'll never miss a beat when it comes to emergency situations in your area. Tune in to police, fire, weather, and air traffic channels to stay ahead of the curve and make informed decisions for your safety.

Scanner Radio boasts the shortest time delay among similar apps, ensuring you receive vital information as it happens. Explore a vast selection of channels from cities and countries worldwide, giving you a comprehensive view of events unfolding near and far. While occasional static and minor errors may occur, the overall experience is highly engaging and informative, empowering you to stay connected and prepared in the face of any emergency.

Download:

Android iOS

Application information:

Downloads Over 10 Million Downloads
Features Listen to live audio from police and fire scanners, weather radios, amateur radio repeaters, air traffic control, and more worldwide.
Pros Free, easy to use, wide variety of content, customizable.
Cons Audio quality can be unreliable, ads can be intrusive, some features require paid subscription.
Scanner Radio - Live audio from 8000+ scanners, Notifications for major events
  • Tags:
  • Live audio streaming
  • 8,000+ scanners worldwide
  • Real-time major event alerts

✨ Read more: app for cop radar

2. Police Scanner

Police Scanner Icon

Live police scanner audio, Fire alarms and alerts, Wildfire map and updates

"Police Scanner" is a remarkable crime alert app that empowers you to stay informed and prepared in real-time. With a vast network of scanner channels, you'll have access to live audio broadcasts from law enforcement, fire departments, and emergency responders. As one user aptly put it, "I really like that whatever channel you listen to, there is generally a description of the different frequencies, TAC channel, etc." This detailed information keeps you in the know, providing valuable context to the unfolding events.

While the app offers a wealth of information, it's not without its drawbacks. As one user shared, "The ONLY thing I don't like is the way ads keep popping up, especially if you want to change locations." While ads are a necessary part of many free apps, they can indeed be intrusive. Another user highlighted the challenge of finding channels for specific areas, which can be frustrating when you're looking for local updates. Despite these minor inconveniences, "Police Scanner" remains a powerful tool for staying alert and informed in your community.

Download:

Android iOS

Application information:

Downloads Over 10 Million Downloads
Features Provides live audio streams from police and fire departments, weather alerts, and other emergency broadcasts across different locations.
Pros Real-time updates, user-friendly interface, wide geographical coverage.
Cons Audio quality can be unreliable depending on location and source, frequent ads, potential for misinformation.
Police Scanner - Live audio of public safety, Breaking news alerts, Wildfire map and info
  • Tags:
  • Live audio streaming
  • Public Safety Alerts
  • Breaking news coverage

✨ Read more: app for automobile news

3. MobilePatrol Public Safety App

MobilePatrol Public Safety App Icon

Hyperlocal crime alerts, Real-time emergency notifications, Community safety network


Cost: Basic (Free), Premium (Varies by agency)

Stay alert and informed with MobilePatrol Public Safety App, the ultimate crime-fighting tool for your mobile device. With real-time crime alerts and neighborhood watch updates, you'll always be in the know about what's happening in your community.

Despite recent technical glitches, MobilePatrol remains a valuable asset for community safety. While the ads can be intrusive, the app's comprehensive crime data and user-friendly interface make it worth considering. With regular updates and community engagement, MobilePatrol is constantly evolving to address user concerns and enhance its crime-fighting capabilities.

Download:

Android iOS

Application information:

Downloads Over 5 Million
Features Provides access to nationwide inmate and offender information, sex offender mapping, crime mapping, missing persons alerts, local agency news, and more.
Pros Easy to use, informative, helps keep users safe.
Cons Accuracy and timeliness of information can vary depending on local agency participation.
MobilePatrol Public Safety App - Neighborhood-specific alerts, Real-time safety updates
  • Tags:
  • Real-time alerts
  • Neighborhood focus
  • Public safety news

✨ Read more: app for free magazines

4. Neighbors by Ring

Neighbors by Ring Icon

Real-time crime alerts, Community watch, Local law enforcement updates


Cost: Neighbors by Ring (Free), N/A (N/A)

Introducing the Neighbors app by Ring, the innovative crime alert system that empowers you to stay informed and connected with your community. With this app, you'll receive real-time notifications about nearby crimes and suspicious activities, helping you feel safer and more aware of your surroundings. Join a network of neighbors and law enforcement who are working together to make your neighborhood a safer place for everyone.

Neighbors by Ring goes beyond traditional crime alerts by fostering a sense of community and collaboration. Share information about suspicious incidents, offer support to neighbors in need, and work together to build a stronger, more resilient neighborhood. The app's user-friendly interface and customizable settings allow you to tailor your experience, ensuring you receive the most relevant and timely alerts. Experience the power of community policing in the palm of your hand with Neighbors by Ring.

Download:

Android iOS

Application information:

Downloads Over 10 Million
Features Allows users to share and receive real-time safety alerts with neighbors and local law enforcement about crime and safety incidents.
Pros Improves neighborhood safety and awareness.
Cons Raises privacy concerns due to sharing of video footage and potential for racial profiling.
Neighbors by Ring - Real-time crime alerts, Safety alerts, Community involvement
  • Tags:
  • Real-time crime alerts
  • Safety alerts from neighbors
  • Local law enforcement updates

✨ Read more: app for craigslist alerts

5. Citizen

Citizen Icon

Real-time emergency alerts, Live video of incidents, Safety Map for loved ones


Cost: Citizen Free (Free), Citizen Premium (Varies by location)

Citizen is a crime alert app that provides real-time updates on major crimes in your area. It sends push notifications to your phone so you can stay informed about what's happening around you. The app also has a map feature that shows you where crimes have occurred, so you can avoid dangerous areas.

Some users have complained that the app sends too many notifications, even for crimes that are far away from their location. Others have said that the app is slow to load and difficult to use. However, many users have found the app to be helpful, especially for those who live in high-crime areas.

Download:

Android iOS

Application information:

Downloads Over 10 million downloads
Features Provides real-time safety alerts, crime reporting, location sharing with friends and family, and live video streaming of incidents.
Pros Increases situational awareness and connects users with local safety resources.
Cons Potential for misinformation, privacy concerns, and may contribute to fear or anxiety.
Citizen - Real-time safety alerts, Live video of incidents, Friend safety status
  • Tags:
  • Real-time safety alerts
  • Live video of incidents
  • Community safety network

✨ Read more: app for breaking sports news

6. Sex Offender Lookup

Sex Offender Lookup Icon

Criminal Background Checks, Maps of Local Sex Offenders, Sex Offender Mugshots


Cost: Basic (Free), Premium ($29.95 per month)

Stay informed and vigilant with the Sex Offender Lookup app, your go-to crime alert safeguard for your neighborhood. With just a few taps, you can access a comprehensive database of registered sex offenders in your area, empowering you to make informed decisions for your safety and well-being.

The app's intuitive interface allows you to easily search by address or name, providing you with up-to-date information on nearby offenders. While the app offers a wealth of data, including phone numbers and email addresses, its primary focus remains on their physical addresses, ensuring you have the knowledge you need to stay aware and take appropriate precautions.

Download:

Android iOS

Application information:

Downloads Over 1 million downloads
Features Allows users to search for nearby registered sex offenders by name, address, and zip code, view offender profiles with photos and offense details, and receive alerts when offenders move into their area.
Pros Easy to use, provides peace of mind, helps keep families safe.
Cons Accuracy can vary, may contain outdated information, raises privacy concerns, potential for misuse and vigilantism.
Sex Offender Lookup - Criminal Background Checks, Local Sex Offender Maps
  • Tags:
  • Criminal Background Checks
  • Local Sex Offender Maps
  • Sex Offender Mugshots

7. SpotCrime+ Crime Map

SpotCrime+ Crime Map Icon

Real-time crime alerts, Crime map for your area, Property crime alerts


Cost: SpotCrime+ Basic (Free), SpotCrime+ Premium ($1.99 per month)

Stay aware of your surroundings with SpotCrime+ Crime Map, the ultimate crime alert app. With its comprehensive crime maps, SpotCrime+ provides a real-time snapshot of criminal activity in your neighborhood and beyond, empowering you to make informed decisions about your safety. Keep a watchful eye on your surroundings and receive timely notifications of nearby crimes, ensuring you're always one step ahead.

Tailored to your specific needs, SpotCrime+ allows you to customize crime alerts based on the types of crimes that matter most to you. Its user-friendly interface and customizable settings make it effortless to navigate, providing a clear and concise overview of the crime landscape around you. Whether you're exploring a new area or simply want to stay informed about your community, SpotCrime+ is your trusted source for crime alerts, delivering peace of mind wherever you go.

Download:

Android iOS

Application information:

Downloads Over 290,000 downloads
Features Provides a crime map with customizable filters, allows users to set safety alerts, and offers a crime news feed for specific areas.
Pros Increases awareness of local crime and helps users stay informed.
Cons Data accuracy depends on user reports and police data, may induce unnecessary anxiety, and potential for privacy concerns.
SpotCrime+ Crime Map - Real-time crime alerts, Neighborhood crime details

8. FBI Wanted

FBI Wanted Icon

Customized home screen, Advanced search options, Quick reporting tools


Cost: FBI Wanted (Free)

Stay vigilant with the FBI Wanted mobile app, your trusted source for crime alerts. By providing access to the FBI's most wanted fugitives, this app empowers you to play a vital role in keeping your community safe. With real-time updates and detailed information on dangerous criminals, you can be the eyes and ears of law enforcement, ensuring that justice prevails.

The FBI Wanted app goes beyond crime alerts; it's a testament to the resilience and determination of those seeking justice. Whether you're a concerned citizen or a victim's advocate, this app provides a platform to contribute to the greater good. It's a tool for empowerment, giving you the means to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your community from harm.

Download:

Android iOS

Application information:

Downloads Over 1 Million
Features Browse wanted fugitives, terrorists, and missing persons by category, view posters, read details of crimes, submit tips, and receive news alerts.
Pros Easy to use, informative, and potentially helps bring criminals to justice.
Cons Limited functionality beyond browsing and submitting tips, occasional bugs or crashes reported by some users, requires internet connection.
FBI Wanted - Customized home screen, Extensive search options, Easy information sharing
  • Tags:
  • Fugitive search
  • Missing persons
  • Easy reporting

9. P3 Tips

P3 Tips Icon

Anonymous crime tips, Two-way communication, Image and video upload


Cost: P3 Tips (Free)

Introducing P3 Tips, the crime-fighting mobile app that empowers citizens to report suspicious activity anonymously. This user-friendly platform seamlessly integrates with your smartphone, making it a convenient and effective tool for keeping your community safe. Despite occasional UI quirks, P3 Tips remains a valuable resource for staying informed and contributing to a safer environment.

With P3 Tips, you can rest assured that your tips will reach the appropriate authorities. The app's secure email system ensures that your identity remains confidential while providing law enforcement with the information they need to investigate and prevent crime. While feedback from users may sometimes be limited, knowing that you're making a difference in the fight against crime can bring a sense of satisfaction and purpose.

Download:

Android iOS

Application information:

Downloads Over 100,000 downloads
Features Allows anonymous tip submission via text, photo, video, and audio recording, with two-way communication for tip follow-up.
Pros Easy to use, encourages community involvement, improves safety.
Cons Effectiveness relies on community engagement, potential for misuse, privacy concerns for tipsters despite anonymity claims.
P3 Tips - Secure & anonymous tips, Ongoing Two-Way Dialog, Image and video upload
  • Tags:
  • Secure & Anonymous Tips
  • Two-Way Communication
  • Image & Video Upload

10. CRIMEWATCH

CRIMEWATCH Icon

Live crime alerts, Anonymous reporting, Direct agency contact


Cost: CRIMEWATCH Basic (Free), CRIMEWATCH Premium (Paid)

CRIMEWATCH, a crime-fighting app, empowers communities to stay informed and connected. Despite a slightly counterintuitive interface and missing app links, it offers a wealth of crime-related information. Once you dive into the app, you'll find real-time crime alerts, detailed incident reports, and interactive maps that pinpoint crime hotspots.

With CRIMEWATCH, you can customize your experience to focus on the crime types and locations that matter most to you. Whether you're concerned about property crimes in your neighborhood or violent offenses in a nearby city, CRIMEWATCH has you covered. And with its user-friendly design and intuitive navigation, you'll always be just a few taps away from the latest crime news and safety information.

Download:

Android iOS

Application information:

Downloads Over 1 Million
Features Allows users to submit anonymous tips, receive alerts, view crime maps, and stay informed about safety in their community.
Pros Improves community safety, increases crime awareness, convenient to use.
Cons Accuracy and timeliness of information depend on user submissions, potential for misuse or false reports.
CRIMEWATCH - Anonymous reporting, Crime data access, Law enforcement communication
  • Tags:
  • Real-time crime alerts
  • Anonymous crime reporting
  • Community-police partnership

11. CrimeSpotter

CrimeSpotter Icon

Instant crime alerts, Searchable crime database, Community collaboration


Cost: Basic (Free), Pro (Paid)

Introduction to CrimeSpotter: A Lifeline for South African Communities

In the face of rising crime rates, the CrimeSpotter app has emerged as a beacon of hope for South Africans. This innovative mobile application empowers citizens to report crimes quickly and easily, fostering a sense of community and collaboration in the fight against lawlessness. With its intuitive interface and lightning-fast response times, CrimeSpotter is transforming the way communities engage with crime prevention.

As one user remarked, "This app is great for all South Africans, we really need something to curb the crime rate in this country." CrimeSpotter provides a platform for citizens to take an active role in safeguarding their neighborhoods, empowering them to make a tangible difference in the battle against crime.

Download:

Android iOS

Application information:

Downloads Over 20,000
Features Allows users to report crime incidents with details, location, and multimedia, and connects them with security companies and emergency services.
Pros Improves community safety by facilitating rapid crime reporting and response.
Cons Effectiveness depends on user participation and network coverage, and accuracy of reports can vary.
CrimeSpotter - Fast crime reporting, Local crime alerts, Searchable crime database
  • Tags:
  • Real-time crime alerts
  • Easy crime reporting
  • Searchable crime database

12. CRIME Local

CRIME Local Icon

Real-time crime alerts, Local crime news, Interactive crime map


Cost: Basic (Free), Premium ($0.99/month)

Introducing CRIME Local, the cutting-edge crime alerts app that empowers you with real-time updates on local crime incidents. Stay informed about what's happening in your neighborhood with push notifications that deliver essential crime news right to your fingertips.

CRIME Local goes beyond traditional news sources to provide comprehensive coverage of local crime events, ensuring you have access to the most up-to-date information. Its user-friendly interface and concise reporting style make it easy to stay informed without getting bogged down in unnecessary details. As one satisfied user aptly put it, "No BS, just the facts."

Download:

Android iOS

Application information:

Downloads Over 10,000
Features Provides real-time crime maps, incident reports, safety alerts, and crime trend analysis.
Pros Easy to use, up-to-date information, improves situational awareness.
Cons Accuracy varies by location, potential for information overload, may increase anxiety.
CRIME Local - Accurate crime data, Local news reports, Interactive crime map
  • Tags:
  • Real-time crime alerts
  • Detailed incident reports
  • Interactive crime map