Pawt. launches online crime report site

PAWTUCKET, R.I. (WPRI) - The Pawtucket Police Department has launched a new online crime and incident reporting tool.

The Citizens Online Police Reporting System is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The system makes it easy for anyone to file a report online in numerous categories, receive a case number that will be on file with the department, and print out the report for their own use or the use of their insurance company.

"This is a great example of using technology to maximize our available resources and help keep our police officers on the street instead of being pinned down by paperwork," says Mayor Donald Grebien.

Lt. Roberto DaSilva says this system will make reporting misdemeanor offenses and relatively minor incidents much easier for the public. "We can now offer them the convenience of filing a report from their own home. They will receive an emailed copy of the final report without having to come to the police station or have an officer knock on their door. It will also give us up-to-date data on crime and other incidents and where they may be occurring in the city."

Categories available for reporting include:

• Credit card fraud
• Thefts under $500
• Vandalism
• Lost property
• Abandoned vehicles
• Theft from vehicles or of vehicle parts
• Traffic complaints

Major crimes, such as violent assaults and robberies, should still be reported directly to a police officer, as well as information about possible suspects.

Police Chief Paul King noted that for anyone who does not have the ability to file online reports, nothing will change and they may contact the police directly for a response as always.

The mayor says a trial run was so successful and the software is so flexible that the city has already expanded online reporting for use by the Public Works Department, as well.

Public Works reporting categories include:

• Defective streets (including potholes) And sidewalks,
• Street lights out
• Bulky items pickup
• Zoning violations

The system, created by the California-based company Coplogic Inc., is in use by more than 150 agencies across North America, according to its website .