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Q: Why should I join MyPolice?
You should join MyPolice so that you can have your voice heard, let your local Police know how they're performing - and suggest ways they can do even better. It takes just a few minutes to tell your story. But the positive changes your feedback could lead to, could last forever.
Q: Why can't I talk to my local police directly?

You can and should talk to your local police directly. And you'll find their email address on this site. But perhaps you don't feel comfortable doing that - not at the start of the relationship, anyway.

You may also not know who you should talk to - although this site will help you find that out as well.

If you're interested in getting to know your police better, then they'd probably like to know who you are, too.

However, you can also remain completely anonymous.

It may also be useful to both talk to your local police directly AND tell your story through MyPolice.

By telling your story through MyPolice, you will help us build up independent data on each police force.

That way, we can use the power of everyone's voices to change things for the better.

Q: How does it work?

It couldn't be easier.

  1. click the 'submit my story' button
  2. fill out a few short forms (it will only take a few minutes)
  3. supply an email address so we can tell you when your story goes live
  4. your local police will read your story and can feed back, using MyPolice
  5. we can gather data about how your local force is performing, so that they'll be able to see what improvements should be made.
Q: How do I join MyPolice?

Joining MyPolice is absolutely free and incredibly quick and easy. If you're reading this, it takes just a couple of minutes using the 'sign up' button on our homepage. Alternatively, you can fill in one of our flyers (found in your local station/community centre/library/council) and post it back to us. And if you know someone else who isn't online but who might have a story to tell, then please let them know how they can pick up a flyer, too.

Q: Is there a quick way to find information on a specific topic?

Yes. Simply enter your keyword/s using the search tool bar at the top right of any page - and click 'GO'.

Q: Is there a quick way to find crime and policing information about where I live?

This functionality is coming soon. You'll be able to enter your postcode on the homepage and be taken to your local page.

Q: I want to see what other people think of my local force and police services. Do I have to sign up?

No. You can browse the site without having to sign up or log in.

Q: Can I comment on stories on MyPolice?
Yes, you can leave a comment when you are logged in to MyPolice, that's the whole idea. By telling us how you and other people feel about your local police force and services, you can send a message without having to talk to them directly. Let them know what they're doing right or how they could improve. This is your chance to shape your police force. And if you have any comments on MyPolice, we'd love to hear them, too. What do you think of the service? How can we make it better? Let us know by email: hello[AT]mypolice.org or by post: MyPolice, c/o Design Office, 167 Renfrew Street, Glasgow, G3 6RQ
Q: Can I find out who my local policeman is?
We are working on this feature right now. In the future, yes you will be able to find out who your local police man is by clicking the 'who is my policeman?' button on the home page. You'll be able to discover their name, what they look like and their email address, so you can contact them directly. You'll also be able to see the comments and responses they have shared with your community on MyPolice.
Q: My story is personal. Can I remain anonymous?

If you're interested in building a better relationship with your local police, then you might like to identify yourself.

However if you don't feel comfortable being 100% honest or 'telling it like it is', then you don't have to give your name.

We would like your email address so we can tell you when your story goes live and we promise not to share this with anyone.

However, if you're still not comfortable leaving your email address, we suggest you create a new one using a free Hotmail account. This will ensure complete anonymity.

Q: Should I share my ideas about how the police service could be improved?
Of course! Tell us! Not only the police but also other people in your local community will benefit from hearing them. You're the best person to say what your police service was like and you have good ideas about how it could be better.
Q: How do I know the right person will read my story?
We want you to know the right person is listening to you. So we will always try to send your stories to just the right person, so that they can see what you think. We will know that they have heard your voice because they will post replies detailing how they've improved a particular service in response to your feedback.
Q: Can I send an email directly to the Chief Constable?
Yes, you will be able to do this. It will be completely private and confidential, just between you and them. We will merely provide you with the email address.
Q: I often organise Neighbourhood watch meetings. Can I use MyPolice to tell my neighbours about them?
We are working on this feature right now. In the future, yes you will be able to use MyPolice to let other people in your community know about your events and then post the minutes afterwards.
Q: Can I find out what is going on in my local area with regards to crime and policing?
We are working on this feature right now. In the future, yes, when you visit your local page you will be able to see any up all the information related to your area.
Q: What else can I do on my local page?
We are working on this feature right now. In the future, yes you will be able to upload pictures and photos of your community and share with others.
Q: Why include a local page?
We help people communicate and campaign more effectively using the web to influence events in the places in which they live, work or play. This makes it easier for people to become involved in changing their area.
Q: Will you tell me when there are new comments, stories or events that I should know about?
We also have a 'follw function' for new comments and responses. If you are following the story, we will send an email alert to the address you've given us.
Q: Can I choose what what type of alerts to receive?
Yes, you can choose your story feeds and choose certain key words. However, this function is not part of our pilot phase!
Q: Why has my story been edited?

We want MyPolice to be as descriptive, constructive and informative as possible. So from time to time, we will edit the stories people send us. You may find out more about why we edited your particular story by reading our editorial policy If you think we have removed an important piece of information, please contact us

Q: Why hasn't my story been published?

If you have recently submitted your story to us, then we are probably still moderating it. If you submitted it some time ago, it may be that we have decided not to publish it. We reject submissions that are obscene, of a commercial nature or simply irrelevant to helping make your police service better. For more information, please read our editorial policy