Thousands Using 311 App To Submit Service Requests
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DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) - City of Dallas 311 administrators say thousands of people are using a smart phone app that makes it easier to submit service requests.
The app for iPhone and Android launched in September 2013. Since then people have made more than 22,000 service requests for issues like graffiti, illegal dumping, litter and high grass.
The Assistant Director for 311, Margaret Wright, says use of the app helps alleviate call volume into the city's call center. Wright says the highest number of service requests come from District 14 and District 2 – both areas where tech-savvy young professionals live.
"District 14 includes Uptown, so folks there are very comfortable with the technology of an app on a phone. Plus those are our Downtown districts so you've got a lot of folks coming in and out of those areas every day," said Wright.
Wright says when people snap a picture of the issue and include that in the request, it helps expedite the process. Response times will vary depending on the urgency of the problem.
Wright and other 311 employees take the message of the app to community meetings, in an effort to get more people to use it.
In the Dallas neighborhood of Dolphin Heights, Anna Hill knows every street and home. She's the president of the neighborhood association, and keeps an eye out for problems.
"You still have to get out and you have to walk your neighborhood. You have to walk your streets. You have to look to see what's going on," said Hill.
She often takes pictures of issues, like abandoned homes where squatters break in, and submits those to the city.
"The first reason it's important—you want to live in a clean environment," said Hill.
Hill says she finds the app easier than making a phone call—she gets a service order number on the spot.
"They do. [The City] takes notice," she says.
Hill uses the app to try to make her neighborhood a better place.
"I choose to speak up, step out, and the app helps that, too," Hill said.
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