The Niles Police Department rolled out a service this year that allows residents to conveniently file online reports related to theft and other minor crimes.
The service went live around nine months ago following development that took over a year and a half, according to Public Information Officer Sgt. Robert Tornabene. Using Coplogic as the developer – a company acquired by LexisNexis back in 2014 – the police team deciphered between the specific types of reports they wanted available to the public.
Working with its IT department and web host, the final product not only includes services for vacation watch requests but it also frees “up a police officer from having to come in to take a police report” and allows them to focus on more pressing issues in the community, Sgt. Tornabene explained.
“We’ve had people from outside the state that have filed saying they were the victim of a crime that occurred in town,” he added. “It’s a simple way to do it.”
After clicking the “select incident” button on the page, guests will be prompted with a list of categories to choose from, including property damage, identity theft, trespassing, bicycle registration and more. Sgt. Tornabene stated the form is to be used for “unknown offender or no known offender types of crimes.”
“Most of [the reports] are like lost property, theft; no evidence whatsoever,” he said. Things like criminal damage to property where the victim was unaware of who did it would also fall under that category, he explained. Crimes that involve homicide, sexual or aggravated assault and other major incidents should always follow standard procedures by calling the police department or 911.
Almost a year since the launch of the service, Sgt. Tornabene said he has noticed a decrease of people coming into the station to file misdemeanor reports, he said.
“I haven’t seen a decrease in calls,” he added, explaining that when people call they are given options to file online or in person. “We’re not going to turn anybody away.”
The form works across all platforms including desktop computers and smartphones, and is compatible with Apple, Windows and Android operating systems. When filing, any supporting documents can be uploaded as evidence, and a permanent copy of the report will be delivered via email. Users will receive a case number shortly thereafter for their records.
Online filing is free and is available 24 hours, every day of the year regardless if there is a holiday. Sgt. Tornabene added that the turnaround time depends on the case, but is standard to in-person filing; it takes 3-5 business days.
“It’s a win for the public,” he said. “It allows them the simplicity of filing without having to come to the police station.”
For more information or to file a police report, visit www.nilespd.com.
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Lindsey Compton is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.