SF Police Create New Online Reporting System

by Laura Monteverdi, Reporter
November 02, 2012 4:43 PM


Gone are the days when you have to pick up a telephone to call the police. The Sioux Falls Police Department recently launched a new program called Cop Logic.

Chief Doug Barthel said the program is an online reporting system for Sioux Falls residents.

"It's a program that allows citizens to make reports that are of a minor nature where there might not be any leads or follow up or no suspects. Things like thefts vandalism lost property, those sort of things,” Barthel said.

The online program is available 24/7 to Sioux Falls residents and police said it is extremely convenient for both officers and citizens.
 
“Rather than have an officer come out and take that report they can go online at their convenience and do the report,” said Barthel.

Last year the police department received more than 6000 cases of theft and vandalism. They said they hope this new system will free more time for officers and shorten the time it takes for an officer to arrive.

Residents can report an issue by visiting the police department's website and clicking on online citizen report. They can fill out a form based on the incident. Police ensured the online report won't be treated any differently than if an officer took it in person.

“Each and every day a supervisor in our Detective Division will go in the system, review the reports, make sure they fit the criteria that they need to and if there is further info we need there will be correspondence back to the original reporting person by email,” said Barthel.

Barthel also said they understand that the new system may not be for everyone.

"If you would rather that we come out and take this report or maybe you don’t have a computer or have electronic access we will defiantly still do that-always have and always will,” said Barthel.

Police said the types of crimes this system can be used for include thefts, vandelism, lost property and harrassing phone calls.