KPD considers online crime reporting software
Posted On: Wednesday, Jul. 15 2009 05:47 AM
By Victor O'Brien
Killeen Daily HeraldKilleen police will recruit a new kind of officer after receiving Killeen City Council approval Tuesday. The officer will not patrol the streets, but will take reports over the Internet.
In what was mostly a formality, the Killeen police received permission to use up to $25,699 to purchase software from Coplogic, a California company. The software allows residents to report crimes through the Internet, eliminating the need for officers in minor offenses.
Killeen police will begin detailed negotiations to purchase the software now that they received council approval, Deputy Chief Larry Longwell said.
The money came from Killeen's 2008 Edward Byrne Justice Assistance Grant. Council approval allowed the money to be moved into the yearly budget for purchase, Longwell said.
The program will not replace officers, but is expected to reduce calls for service and give officers more time on the street instead of taking minor reports. The program eliminates the need for officers to take reports at crime scenes where there are no suspects and physical evidence.
Coplogic will host the program and maintain it. Once a report is taken, it will be entered into KPD's system and investigated as any other case, Longwell said.
In Texas, the program is used by the Amarillo, Arlington, Grand Prairie, Fort Worth, Odessa and San Angelo police departments, according to Coplogic's Web site.
The council also authorized Killeen police to enter a 2009 JAG grant with other Bell County agencies. The grant would give Killeen $70,686, if approved. The grant money would be used to purchase approximately 60 tasers.
Killeen police also received approval for two other grant programs. The Bulletproof Vest Partnership, a federal program, reimburses officers for up to 50 percent, or $250, of the cost to purchase bulletproof vests. The other cost is covered by the department's budget, Longwell said.
The council also authorized Killeen police to apply for the annual Tobacco Compliance Grant. The amount of funds was not listed, but Killeen police have participated in the grant program in the past.
Contact Victor O'Brien at
vobrien@kdhnews.com or (254) 501-7468.