NCJ Number
205770
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 52 Issue: 5 Dated: May 2004 Pages: 40-42
Date Published
May 2004
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This article explains the benefits and logistics of citizen online police reports as a means of increasing police efficiency.
Abstract
Online reports allow citizens to file police reports for predetermined types of incidents and crimes via the Internet 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Department personnel can retrieve these reports later when police resources and employees are scheduled to work. This also frees up patrol officers, who would otherwise spend time completing these reports. The citizen can access the online reporting form through the police department's Web site. The citizen is informed that the online form is to be used only for "cold" crimes or incidents, or for crimes and incidents that are not in progress. Further, the incidents must have no known suspect. When the form is submitted, a warning announces the penalties of filing a false report. After the report is submitted, police civilian personnel, such as records clerks, can retrieve the report, proofread it, and ensure that it meets established criteria. A file number can be assigned, and the report can be printed and filed. The report can be downloaded into the department's record management system. A postcard may be sent back to the victim or complainant with the case number, or the case number can be e-mailed to the citizen. This article presents a step-by-step approach for creating an online reporting system. The process is flexible, with many variations, so it can be tailored to the needs of each department.