Self-Reporting Helps Reno Police Focus On Life Safety Calls

The Reno Police Department's streamlined alternative reporting system for non-emergency issues is allowing residents to file reports online without having to go to the police department, and is also assisting the Police Department to enhance its capabilities for emergency situations by allowing officers to focus on life safety calls rather than on report-taking situations.

The "Cop-Logic" system was purchased for about $23,000.00 and implemented in December as a more user-friendly system that provides a response when a report is filed as well as a tracking number for residents to follow the progress of their report and the ability to print a copy of their report. Those filing online must have an e-mail address, however, in order to receive report confirmations and other information. The self-reporting system is located on the Reno Police Department's webpages.

Reno Police Community Services Officer Supervisor Lori Heidenreich says that more than 240 reports have been filed online since the system was implemented. Heidenreich says the self-reporting system is designed for situations in which the suspect is unknown, and there is little or no evidence such as:

• Burglary
• Destruction of property
• Disturbing the peace
• Graffiti
• Harassment
• Identity theft
• Lost property
• Suspicious circumstances
• Theft
• Trespassing
• Vehicle burglary
• Vehicle tampering

Heidenreich says the system can also be used to submit complaints such as a barking dog complaint that is automatically submitted to Washoe County Animal Control. Other areas include reporting information about people using, selling or distributing drugs; reporting graffiti/tagging vandalism on property that is not yours; and Homeland Security tips about persons involved in threatening activities that may concern Homeland Security.

The reporting system can also be used to report vehicle accidents in which there is property damage of $750.00 or more for non-injury accidents and hit-and-run accidents with no suspect information.

For emergency situations, however, residents should always call 9-1-1 and remain on the line for an emergency communications operator.