You Can Report 'Suspicious Activity' In Reston With New App

RESTON, VA -- The Fairfax County Police Department is launching a new app that will allow residents to report crimes or suspicious activity in their area.

FCPD announced Thursday that they are joining forces with law enforcement agencies around Northern Virginia to launch iWatchNOVA, "a portal that allows residents in the area to report suspicious activities and behaviors that may indicate terrorist or significant criminal activity," according to a statement.

"iWatchNOVA facilitates reporting of suspicious activities like possible surveillance or casing operations, people photographing or videotaping critical infrastructure or security checkpoints," the statement continues. "The Northern Virginia Regional Intelligence Center (NVRIC), which covers 18 jurisdictions, then collects, evaluates, analyzes and disseminates this information. Reports through iWatchNOVA are examined to determine if there is a viable threat to the community."

The app is free to download on an iOS or Android device, and you can remain anonymous. You can also access the portal through the website iwatchnova.org.

Police will use reports from the citizenry to "detect patterns indicative of terrorist and criminal preparations," the statement adds.

Image of FCPD Reston District Station via Google Maps