Want to Help Fight Crime in Beijing? There's an App for That

By Justine Lopez, February 15, 2017

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Chaoyang police launched their new crime-fighting app on Monday. The “Chaoyang Masses HD” app enables the public to easily report any suspicious or illegal activities they witness, Global Times reports.

The Chaoyang Masses app is named after the well-known volunteer crime fighters known as the "Chaoyang qunzhong."  In case you haven’t heard of them, the Chaoyang qunzhong (or Chaoyang masses) is a moniker given to a group of local (mostly retired) volunteers who tip off authorities when they notice suspicious behavior. They are also commonly referred to as a CIA-like organization and have been dubbed by many as the “fifth information organization."

According to Chaoyang police, the aim of the app is to increase lines of communication between the district’s residents and the police and raise awareness in the community.

Surprise, surprise the app is already a huge hit among do-gooders and curtain pushers all over Beijing. The app was originally launched in August 2016 and has since received four updates. Although the app is still in its testing phases, it is expected to help make the area safer, according to a police statement.

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The app currently covers two major crime categories: key cases and missing persons. In the future the lost and found, criminal suspects and traffic violations categories will also be activated.

If you’re interested in helping to fight crime in Beijing (or just bust your annoyingly loud neighbor) it doesn’t take much. All you have to do is download the app from the Apple Store (for free) and every time you notice something shady send a text, photo or video to the cops. To make things even easier, there is also a red reporting button on each page. There are six reporting categories ranging from child abduction to missing elderly.

In the past, tips from Chaoyang qunzhong have successfully helped to bring down numerous criminals, including some pretty high-profile celebrities. Jackie Chan’s son was arrested in 2014 for a drug-related incident, and in 2015 singer Mao Ning was also detained for drugs.

[Images via The Straits Times and Ecns.cn]

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