The Skokie Police Department has launched a new interactive web page that officials say will increase efficiency and effectiveness for both the public and police staff.
Skokie Police Chief Tony Scarpelli said the new site at www.skokiepolice.org is a one-stop venue of sorts for residents. They not only can receive recent crime information there, but perform many other tasks that used to require phone calls or coming into the police station, he said.
“It’s an exceptionally convenient way to maneuver,” Scarpelli said. “I think this is a great resource for the public.”
The top of the website’s homepage includes about 20 menus, including the public safety bulletin that can be checked for recent crime incidents, as well as another tab for recent arrests.
The same site allows people to report a non-emergency incident, obtain crash reports, request a residential security check, register a bicycle, receive information about active missing persons cases, submit a tip, access a police press release archive, obtain contact information and more.
All emergency requests for service should still be reported by calling 911, police said.
A link to the page is also listed on the village’s website, where the public safety bulletin has always been linked.
Scarpelli said the new web tool is part of a software overhaul for the department that began in 2013. At that time, he said, the police department upgraded all public safety software, modernizing everything from records to dispatch services.
In a press release about the new site, which went live with all features Tuesday, police said new functions are likely to be added as time goes on.
“We built this in such a way to make it as convenient for the citizens as possible,” Scarpelli said.
In some cases, the upgrade will save the public money, Scarpelli said.
Getting a copy of a crash report, for example, no longer costs $13 but $5.50 now. The chief also said that the web tool should reduce calls and station visits, which can free up staff time for other duties.
Scarpelli said the department will actively promote the new site in various ways.
“It’s a valuable tool for the public so we want to get the word out so people know it’s here,” he said.
@SKReview_Mike
