San Diegans can now file crime reports with the police department and renew alarm permits online.
The new system is designed to free up time for officers and communications staff to handle other police duties, said police Assistant Chief Shelley Zimmerman.
The crime report form can be accessed via the city and police department websites, or at sdpdfilemypolicereport.org, Zimmerman said.
After some basic questions are answered, citizens can file reports about thefts, vandalism, harassment and lost property.
Once a form is filled out and submitted, the filer will receive a police report number.
Zimmerman said the reports will then be routed to "the appropriate investigative unit," just like crime reports filled out the traditional way.
In a demonstration, the process was no more difficult than making an online airline reservation, and took about five minutes.
SDPD officers take 86,000 crime reports annually, Zimmerman said.
"We think minimum 10 percent will (now) be filed online, which equates to more time for officers to handle police-related matters," Zimmerman said.
She said 15,000 alarm permit renewals are made annually.
Fee payments can be made with credit or debit cards.
The online renewal system can also be accessed through the main city and police websites, or sdpdpermits.com.
The systems, each of which were paid for with $150,000 federal grants, are currently in English.
Zimmerman said Spanish versions will be added by September, and other languages will be considered.
