Our Story
Safer Communities Through Technology
For more than 30 years, Critical Reach has equipped law enforcement with the technology they need to protect communities and save lives.
Our Mission
Critical Reach, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to making communities safer through technology. We believe that every law enforcement agency — regardless of size or budget — deserves access to the tools needed to protect their community.
Our flagship platform, APBnet, connects agencies across the nation with real-time intelligence sharing, ensuring that a missing child alert in one jurisdiction reaches officers in neighboring counties within seconds — not hours or days.
“APBnet helps officers know what to look for before they even start their shift. The information saves lives.”
Law Enforcement Professional
APBnet User
Our History
From a tragedy that shook the nation to a platform that serves thousands of agencies today.
1995
Critical Reach founded after the abduction and murder of Polly Klaas
1996
APBnet launched to connect California law enforcement agencies
2000s
Expanded to serve agencies nationwide with BOLO and missing persons bulletins
2010s
Grew to 1,500+ agencies with SMS integration and enhanced distribution
2024
Learn Secure and Community Secure programs launched
2025
NextGen APBnet modernization begins — cloud-native, mobile-first platform
2026
NextGen pilot program with select agencies; full platform rollout underway
Leadership
Dr. Jennifer Dawson
Executive Director
Stanford doctorate with expertise in autonomous systems. Leading Critical Reach's technology strategy and the NextGen APBnet modernization.
Todd Bower
Co-Founder
25+ years leading the organization from its founding after the Polly Klaas tragedy to serving 1,500+ agencies nationwide.
John Myers
Co-Founder, CTO
Software development leader who built the original APBnet platform and continues to guide the technical vision for the NextGen modernization.
Supported By
Join the APBnet Community
Whether you're a law enforcement agency, school, or community organization — we're here to help keep your community safe.