Top 6 Crime Busting Apps for Law Enforcement & Investigators
By Robert Strohmeier
Don’t go in-service without these essential crime busting apps. They can make all the difference in solving cases, securing evidence, and speeding up investigations. Many of these apps are free or low cost, yet they can exponentially expand your investigative capabilities. Here are our top picks for law enforcement, detectives, and public safety professionals.
1. US Cop ($3.99 Android / $5.99 iOS)
This app has everything: pharmaceutical identification, a Spanish translator, shift scheduling, reminders, and case law references. It includes a secure voice recorder, evidence cam, and quick-access “cheat sheets” covering topics like use-of-force, VIN decoding, and pill identification. A must-have multipurpose tool for patrol officers and investigators.
2. Whooster (14-Day Free Offer)
Whooster isn’t a traditional app—it works via SMS. Simply text a POI’s name or phone number and get results back within seconds, including billing name, city, state, zip code, and carrier. With just a last name and a zip code, Whooster can deliver actionable leads instantly. Click here for further details (Restricted Access – Law Enforcement Only).
3. CSI Connect ($6.99 Android / $4.99 iOS)
Designed by crime scene professionals with over 20 years of experience, CSI Connect provides more than 70 reference guides. It allows users to calculate bullet trajectories, log crime scene weather, and save GPS coordinates. You can also record and export audio notes directly for streamlined case reporting.
4. RAIDS Online (Free iOS & Android)
The mobile version of Bair Analytics’ popular crime mapping tool. RAIDS Online helps officers track crime trends by type, date, time, and location. Created by former officer and analyst Sean Bair, the app allows filtering to focus on the most relevant data for your investigation.
5. SneakyPix ($0.99 iOS)
A discreet app that allows you to secretly capture photos or video while appearing to use your phone normally. Perfect for covert surveillance situations where drawing attention could compromise an investigation.
6. Super Swiss Knife (Free)
Not your standard Swiss Army knife—this digital toolkit includes a flashlight, compass, bubble level, cross vertical measure, distance measure, magnifier, and even a noise meter. The multifunctional design makes it handy for officers at crime scenes or in the field.
Bonus Apps – Know What Criminals Use
Law enforcement should also understand the apps that may work against them:
- Waze (Free) – While designed for traffic updates, the app alerts users to police presence. This has raised concerns as criminals may exploit the feature.
- Five-O – Created by Georgia students, this app lets users rate encounters with law enforcement and submit information that could be used in legal disputes.
Final Thoughts
These law enforcement apps demonstrate how technology can empower officers, detectives, and investigators in the field. From case management to covert surveillance, staying ahead means using every tool available. If you know of additional apps that should make this list, we’d love to hear from you.
Contact MAXSUR:
Email – ops@maxsur.com
Phone – 314-270-2150 (M–F, 8am–6pm CST)