In a move designed to increase efficiency for dealing with low level property crimes the Seattle Police Department has launched an online reporting option. 911 is still the first option for police emergency calls.

The SPD released this announcement:

The Seattle Police Department is proud to announce a new online police reporting option for the public. This web-based Community Online Reporting Program (CORP) will allow the public to file police reports for certain incident types (Property Destruction, Car Prowls, Auto Accessories, Theft of Property (under $500), and Identity Theft) over the internet. The Department expects this internet-based reporting service to be very popular among community members who have come to expect services to be provided immediately and conveniently online.

This service will allow the public to file a report at a time that is best for them without having to wait for an officer to respond or call them back. The public will be able to print a temporary copy of the report as soon as they submit it. The report will be reviewed by police personnel, and, once approved, the filing person will receive an email with a copy of the final report attached. The report will transfer directly into the Seattle Police Department records management system and receive the same investigation and statistical analysis as if the report had been filed by an officer.

This option is for low level property crimes only. It does not replace 911 or the non-emergency number. If the caller feels that they are in danger, or the crime just happened, or the suspect may still be there, 911 is still the best option. The Community Online Reporting Program is an option for people that want to report a low level theft, but do not necessarily need an officer to respond in person.

This web-based reporting option will allow officers more time to address community needs while meeting public expectation for efficient delivery of police services. The application is based on the Desk Officer Online Reporting System from San Ramon, California-based software company Coplogic, Inc. (www.Coplogic.com).

The web-based crime reporting service can be accessed by going to the Seattle Police Department’s homepage (http://www.seattle.gov/police) and clicking the “File a Report” Quick Link.

For more information about CORP, contact Sergeant White at (206) 684-4587 or send an email to SPD-CORP@seattle.gov.