SafeStop, a new mobile app to enhance civilian encounters with law enforcement, has launched its pilot program in West Hollywood, offering a dynamic approach to bringing community and police together to be part of the solution.

“SafeStop aims to make motorist-police interactions safer and more transparent,” SafeStop co-founders Tyler Hochman and Jackson Lallas said. “We are proud to partner with local police in West Hollywood to find creative solutions.”

“This new program is an innovative new tool for our deputies to use in appropriate situations during traffic stops,” West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station Capt. Bill Moulder said.

SafeStop uses early communication to de-escalate traffic stops and transform police-motorist interactions. When pulled over, users are provided with information and instructions on how to facilitate dialogue during their traffic stop and then can immediately make video contact with police officers while they are being stopped. By introducing video contact at that crucial point, officers have another layer of identification before arriving at the vehicle. The new approach offers motorists the ability to take the lead on alerting police to their presence and creating transparency in the process, the app’s creators said.

For information, visit safetrafficstop.com.