Atlanta police offers on-line reporting for minor offenses
Atlanta GA Sept 30 2018
The Atlanta police department gets more than its share of calls for service for crimes that have already occurred with no suspects on scene.
Theft from mailboxes, vandalism, auto burglaries and minor fender-benders.
In many cities, these types of calls are given low priority in the dispatch system especially when officers may be at a higher priority call, such as a violent act.
And sometimes, that call to 911 leads to no quick action from police, the victim’s frustration can turn to a boil.
Now, the City of Atlanta is offering an alternative to a long wait for service. Citizens will be able to go on the police department web site and file a criminal report.
The self-service reporting is not for violent acts. Instead, property crimes can be reported, vandalism and other acts deemed minor.
This option is being offered by many police agencies across the country faced with manpower shortages and a rise in calls for service.
Atlanta Chief Erika Shields stressed that citizens do not have to use the option. A 911 operator will still send an officer out for a minor situation but be prepared to wait.
