Long Branch PD Joins Crime Alert App. You Can Too.

The Long Branch Police Department announced Monday that it will join the Neighbors app by Ring. The app provides real-time, local crime and safety information.

Residents can download the free Neighbors app and join their neighborhood. On the app, you can monitor neighborhood activity; share crime and safety-related videos, photos and text-based posts; and receive real-time safety alerts from neighbors, law enforcement and the Ring team.

"It is our hope that we can swiftly gain members who will join us in this new virtual neighborhood watch system," LBPD Chief Jason Roebuck said in a statement. "We are confident that working together with residents through the Neighbors app will prove to be an invaluable tool in keeping our community a safe place to work, play and live."

Here's how to sign up:

• Download the Neighbors app on iOS or Android here. Or text "longbranchpd” to 555888 from your smartphone.
• Opt in to join your neighborhood.
• Customize the geographic area for where you want to receive notifications. You must verify your location and cannot participate in other neighborhoods.

Then you can do the following:

• Receive real-time alerts from neighbors, law enforcement or the Ring team that inform you of crime and safety alerts as they happen.
• View local crime and safety posts on a live feed or interactive map.
• Share text updates, photos and videos taken on any device, including Ring's home security devices.