Bay Area Law Enforcement Agencies Use Web Site To Share Crime Information With Public

A partnership between four San Francisco Bay Area law enforcement agencies and software developer Public Engines is putting near real-time local crime information just a few clicks away on the Internet.

The Santa Clara County Sheriff and the Palo Alto, Gilroy and Los Gatos police departments are using Crimereports.com to give both the departments and community members a comprehensive look at crime issues in the communities.

“We live in the information age and share the police departments’ vision of making our communities stronger by sharing critical, pertinent information through the use of cutting-edge tools,” said Greg Whisenant, president and CEO of Public Engines, provider of Crimereports.com. “By using Crimereports.com, these departments are demonstrating their commitment to their respective communities by sharing valuable crime data at the speed of information.”

The service is free to all community members, and Web site visitors can sign up to receive e-mail alerts of crimes happening near them.

Crime information is presented in a Google Maps mashup where residents can view the type, date and block of the incident along with any other data the law enforcement agencies provide to the site.

And officials from the police departments said having the crime information so readily accessible to the public only help enforcement efforts.

“One of our goals as a department has been to strengthen our relationship with the communities we serve,” said Chief Scott Seaman of the Los Gatos Police Department. “Crimereports.com is making this possible by bringing the information to our community in a much more efficient manner. Having the community on board really helps out. By providing accurate crime information, we can multiply the number of eyes and ears we have on the streets.”

Along with the new Bay Area members, law enforcement agencies from 15 states currently use the site with the goal improve the relationship with the residents served and making communities safer.

“We value our relationship with the community and have worked to share important information with them through our Web site,” said Chief Gregg Giusiana of the Gilroy Police Department. “However, with Crimereports.com, this information does more than just give a status on crime in our community. Rather it is a way to get the community aware and involved in community policing. Knowledge is power, and the more our community members know about what is going on around them, the more they’ll be able to help us keep the entire city of Gilroy safer.”

About the Author

Brent Dirks is senior editor for Security Today and Campus Security Today magazines.

Featured

  • From Surveillance to Intelligence

    Years ago, it would have been significantly more expensive to run an analytic like that — requiring a custom-built solution with burdensome infrastructure demands — but modern edge devices have made it accessible to everyone. It also saves time, which is a critical factor if a missing child is involved. Video compression technology has played a critical role as well. Over the years, significant advancements have been made in video coding standards — including H.263, MPEG formats, and H.264—alongside compression optimization technologies developed by IP video manufacturers to improve efficiency without sacrificing quality. The open-source AV1 codec developed by the Alliance for Open Media—a consortium including Google, Netflix, Microsoft, Amazon and others — is already the preferred decoder for cloud-based applications, and is quickly becoming the standard for video compression of all types. Read Now

  • Cost: Reactive vs. Proactive Security

    Security breaches often happen despite the availability of tools to prevent them. To combat this problem, the industry is shifting from reactive correction to proactive protection. This article will examine why so many security leaders have realized they must “lead before the breach” – not after. Read Now

  • Achieving Clear Audio

    In today’s ever-changing world of security and risk management, effective communication via an intercom and door entry communication system is a critical communication tool to keep a facility’s staff, visitors and vendors safe. Read Now

  • Beyond Apps: Access Control for Today’s Residents

    The modern resident lives in an app-saturated world. From banking to grocery delivery, fitness tracking to ridesharing, nearly every service demands another download. But when it comes to accessing the place you live, most people do not want to clutter their phone with yet another app, especially if its only purpose is to open a door. Read Now

  • Survey: 48 Percent of Worshippers Feel Less Safe Attending In-Person Services

    Almost half (48%) of those who attend religious services say they feel less safe attending in-person due to rising acts of violence at places of worship. In fact, 39% report these safety concerns have led them to change how often they attend in-person services, according to new research from Verkada conducted online by The Harris Poll among 1,123 U.S. adults who attend a religious service or event at least once a month. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems, an industry-leading manufacturer of pedestrian and vehicle secure entrance control access systems, is pleased to announce the release of its groundbreaking V07 software. The V07 software update is designed specifically to address cybersecurity concerns and will ensure the integrity and confidentiality of Automatic Systems applications. With the new V07 software, updates will be delivered by means of an encrypted file.

  • ResponderLink

    ResponderLink

    Shooter Detection Systems (SDS), an Alarm.com company and a global leader in gunshot detection solutions, has introduced ResponderLink, a groundbreaking new 911 notification service for gunshot events. ResponderLink completes the circle from detection to 911 notification to first responder awareness, giving law enforcement enhanced situational intelligence they urgently need to save lives. Integrating SDS’s proven gunshot detection system with Noonlight’s SendPolice platform, ResponderLink is the first solution to automatically deliver real-time gunshot detection data to 911 call centers and first responders. When shots are detected, the 911 dispatching center, also known as the Public Safety Answering Point or PSAP, is contacted based on the gunfire location, enabling faster initiation of life-saving emergency protocols.

  • PE80 Series

    PE80 Series by SARGENT / ED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin

    ASSA ABLOY, a global leader in access solutions, has announced the launch of two next generation exit devices from long-standing leaders in the premium exit device market: the PE80 Series by SARGENT and the PED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin. These new exit devices boast industry-first features that are specifically designed to provide enhanced safety, security and convenience, setting new standards for exit solutions. The SARGENT PE80 and Corbin Russwin PED4000/PED5000 Series exit devices are engineered to meet the ever-evolving needs of modern buildings. Featuring the high strength, security and durability that ASSA ABLOY is known for, the new exit devices deliver several innovative, industry-first features in addition to elegant design finishes for every opening.