SAN JOSE, Calif. -- Police announced a new, streamlined way for residents to report nonviolent lower-level crimes using an online form instead of going to the police station or calling an officer to the scene.
The application, called CopLogic, allows people to report harassing phone calls, identity theft, lost property, vandalism, and theft that doesn't involve burglary or robbery. Police previously had an online reporting system but it was difficult to navigate, said San Jose police Sgt. Jason Dwyer.
"The old system wasn't user friendly," said Dwyer. "Your average person will be able to make it through this one -- it's a lot simpler."
Dwyer said the CopLogic application also helps "data-driven policing" because information about where crimes happen is instantly available and easier to track with the automated system.
"We can look for hotspots in a geographic area," he said. "It helps paint a picture of where crimes occur. That's a big thing."
Dwyer said other agencies have been using CopLogic with success and "we're very lucky to have it."
"It's the new wave of the future," he said. "With low staffing levels, anything we can do to streamline the crime reporting process is a welcome addition."
The online crime reporting system can be found at www.sjpd.org/ReportingCrime/OnlineReport.
Copyright 2012 - San Jose Mercury News
McClatchy-Tribune News Service
