In late December, the Eugene Police Department unveiled a fresh piece of the crime fighting puzzle with its new online service-alerting and mapping system. The technology allows citizens to access EPD dispatch information moments after any crime is reported.
The program, which operates through CrimeReports.com, can be found on EPD’s dispatch log Web site. Similar to Google Maps, the program logs up to six months of calls and also provides specific details including the nature of the crime and the time it occurred.
“This system speeds up service quite a bit,” EPD spokeswoman Melinda Kletzok said. “It puts information at the fingertips of citizens and shows them what part of their government is doing.”
On the site, viewers can access the interactive crime map and sign up for daily, weekly or monthly updates about crime in specific areas.
The Web site uses data provided by an information sharing system established by the U.S. Department of Justice to compile crime reporting information for the use of law enforcement agencies across the country.
Kletzok stressed the importance of such efficiency at EPD.
“We have a commitment to the public,” Kletzok said. “Our goal is to provide as much public service as possible.”
EPD plans to establish several other community information programs in the future including better neighborhood watch tools and digital video on the EPD Web site whenever applicable, according to a press release.
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Police launch online crime update service
Daily Emerald
January 4, 2009
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