With government budgets stretched thin, it's more important thanever to make the best use of existing resources - and to takeadvantage of any efficiencies to be gained through today'selectronic systems.
A good example of this is the Normal Police Department's newprogram that allows people to file police reports online for minortheft and property damage crimes.
Under the recently enacted initiative, residents can use theInternet to file reports of theft under $300, criminal damage toproperty under $300, lost property and graffiti. The system isintended for incidents in which there is no physical evidence, noinjuries and no weapons involved.
As Chief Kent Crutcher told a Pantagraph reporter, "It'sbasically for reports with zero solvability" that generally arebeing made only for insurance purposes.
By making this switch, instead of having a police officer take areport in person, Crutcher estimates more than 1,200 hours of policetime can be saved each year.
That time can be put to better use by having more police onpatrol where they might be better able to prevent such crimes.
In addition, for people with easy access to the Internet, it willbe more convenient for them to access a form and file a report attheir convenience, rather than going to the police station orwaiting for a police officer to come to their home or business.
Online reporting is optional. Those without computer access, orwho would rather file a report with a police officer, can continueto meet with an officer.
The Bloomington Police Department reportedly is interested in asimilar approach.
We commend the Normal Police Department on this innovativesolution that reflects a more efficient and effective use ofresources and adds convenience for residents.
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