XENIA — Xenia police have a new way to connect with residents.

Officially launched Wednesday, the Xenia P.D. app — available on Apple and Android platforms — will allow users to access online records, department events and photos and send in anonymous tips.

“I set a goal for myself and the patrol department … to be more in touch with our community, to have more transparency,” said Captain David Pazynski. “We initiated a few programs. This is one of those programs.”

The app will also allow the department to send out alerts such as road closures, information about local and national missing children and police most wanted.

“Anything dire that the community needs to know,” Pazynski said. “We wanted for information to get out quicker. We have Facebook, now we have an app.”

It’s extremely user friendly, with 10 options spread over two screens.

“It will grow and I really hope the community suggests things too, what they would like to see in the app,” Pazynski said.

Pazynski said he hopes within the next couple months crime mapping will be available so residents can see where crimes occur.

One thing the app won’t do is contact police in an emergency.

“This is not a 911,” Pazynski said. “This is not a replacement or a tool for it.”

The free app is available at the Apple Store and Google Play.