A program launched two years ago that lets people report crimes online more than doubled the number of users in the second year.
The Citizens Online Reporting System (CORS) was launched in September of 2016 with the purpose of enabling Chatham-Kent residents to report select crimes on the CORS website. The program allowed those wishing to report a crime to not wait for an officer who may be dealing with higher priority calls to take their report. The total numbers for the second year were released at the Chatham-Kent Police Services board meeting Tuesday and saw a jump from 241 reports in 2016 to 605 last year.
Police Chief Gary Conn said it isn't necessarily the future of policing, but it is a great investigative tool.
"It's another service to provide to our citizens," Conn said. "The nice thing about it is it's in line with the 21st century and technological advancements. As we know, the newer generations are certainly tech-savvy and this is a matter of convenience as well."
Conn added when the report is filed a police report number is provided which the submitter can use for insurance purposes. The police chief added the nicest part is someone can do it from the comfort of their home or on their phone. Theft, lost or stolen property, and mischief are the three crimes people are able to report on CORS. The Bicycle Registry, Vulnerable Person Registry and Security Camera Registry are other tools available through the system.
"Only 69 people have registered for the camera registry in all of Chatham-Kent. That's a low number," Conn said. "I would like to see far more of our citizens registering and utilizing that service if they have cameras on their residence."
The Security Camera Registry allows police to get instant information when there is a camera in the area where a crime was committed, regardless if it was committed on the registered person's property.
"When we do a neighbourhood canvas we look for cameras," Conn said. "The nice thing about this is that we'll already have and know at our fingertips what houses have cameras, if they're in the vicinity and we can go to those individuals and get their videos."
Conn said a new initiative coming to CORS is the Key Holder Registry, which allows homeowners the choice of submitting information about alarm companies they use so the police are aware of it if they have to attend the home.
In the near future, CK police will be implementing a School Bus Safety Reporting service. It will allow bus companies and drivers to report vehicles which have illegally passed school buses.
