The DeKalb Police Department doesn’t think it’s too early to declare iWatch a success.

iWatch is a cellphone and computer application that gives people the ability to send in identified or anonymous tips to the DeKalb Police Department. The app is produced by iThinQware and went live April 18.

“I think that DeKalb, as a smaller community has done the best job of any city in the nation, that I’ve seen,” said iThinQware President Dan Elliott.

Elliott said DeKalb has more iWatch users per capita than any other city of its size. Chad McNett, community relations officer for the DeKalb Police Department, said the program has already been successful and more than 200 tips have been sent via iWatch DeKalb, and 98 percent of those have been anonymous.

DeKalb residents and NIU students are encouraged by police to utilize this service in which users can call, text or send photos and videos to report criminal and suspicious activity.

“The iWatch program has been an innovative way to communicate with our community. It encourages people from all walks of life to feel comfortable talking to the police,” said DeKalb Police Chief Gene Lowery in an email. “It opened a door to gather information and for the police to be more responsive to all of our community stakeholders.”

Locals are reminded by the police department that iWatch is a non-emergency tip line, and all emergencies should be directed to 911.

“We’ve made several arrests and been able to come to positive outcomes on a variety of tips such as noise complaints, traffic violations, suspicious people, and drug/alcohol violations,” McNett said in an email.

The application is available for download on the Apple App Store and the Android Marketplace. Tips can also be sent through the Web at www.iwatchdekalb.com.

“We count on members of the DeKalb/NIU community to be our eyes and ears every day,” McNett said. “If you see something, we want you to say something.”