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| New map system tracks city crimes By Mark Noack [ mark@hmbreview.com ] Published/Last Modified on Thursday, October 29, 2009 2:05 PM PDT Half Moon Bay citizens can now follow local crime activity on the internet with a new online map the police department unveiled today. The service, “CrimeReports.com” uses the Google Maps system to chart crimes and provide basic information, including the time, place, type of crime, case number, and in some cases, a brief description of the incident. The crime will be updated nightly using the police department’s computer record management data. The map does not include crimes being pursued by the Sheriff’s Office. Police Chief Don O’Keefe said the new system was implemented as part of a larger department effort to provide the public more information to strengthen community support in preventing crimes. “It’s all part of our community-policing strategy,” O’Keefe said. “We want to get information out to the public what’s around them in the city, and it will allow a closer bond between residents and police.” The program costs about $1,000 a year, and will be paid through grant funding the city police received through federal law enforcement technology programs. The online crime mapping system is already being used by nearby cities, including East Palo Alto, San Carlos, Burlingame and San Mateo. The new crime map is available online at http://www.crimereports.com. |