Lake Forest has launched a new online crime transparency portal aimed at giving residents more detailed information about police incidents and activity in their neighborhoods.
The portal features an interactive map displaying reported incidents across the city, including traffic-related offenses, burglaries, thefts and crimes against persons. Individual incident will show the date and time it was reported and a case number and a general block level location.
City officials said the tool was developed in response to residents seeking more information than what is typically included in the city’s police blotter.
“This is just a tool for the resident so if they have any curiosity, they can look at the entire city and see where we are taking case reports and other things, not simply arrests,” Police Chief John Burke said.
Burke said the portal could also serve as a crime prevention resource.
“They can zoom in on a smaller area to see what exactly is going on in their neighborhood,” Burke said. “If there is nothing going on, maybe they will see in a four- or five-block area some burglaries to autos, and it might be a good reminder to keep your car locked and not leave anything of value inside. It gives you a sense of awareness of truly what is going on in your particular neighborhood so you are not guessing.”
The portal does not include juvenile-related incidents, exact street addresses or personal identifying information, Burke said.
“We are not looking to embarrass anyone. It is just an awareness thing,” he said.
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Information will remain on the site for 12 months before being removed, Burke said, adding that a police department data analyst will compile and update the information.
City spokeswoman Dana Olson said the city plans to review usage analytics, likely monthly, to gauge residents’ interest in the portal.
Daniel I. Dorfman is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.