The Weldon Police Department’s new crime tracking software has a public mapping system to help residents determine trends in their own neighborhoods.
While not as detailed as what the police department has been using for the past week, Chief Mark Macon says it still provides important information to help the public in a number of ways.
The mapping system is free for the public to use and can be accessed by the link provided in the lead of this account.
“They’ll be able to see what type of crimes are occurring in their area,” Lieutenant Chris Davis said, explaining the new software puts the information on the map as incident reports are filed. “It can help the community. It makes them aware of what’s going on. If breaking and entering (crimes) are occurring it helps them keep a check on their property so they can be proactive as will the police department.”
Davis was instrumental in setting the Bair Analytics Incorporated RAIDS Online system up, Macon said.
“The Weldon Police Department’s participation in the RAIDS Online highlights their commitment to proactive communication with the public they serve,” Sean Bair, founder of the company, said in a press release. “We’re excited to partner with the Weldon Police Department to provide this free service to the public.”
Macon demonstrates the system.
Typically, Bair said in the press release, agencies can spend tens of thousands of dollars annually through other crime-mapping providers. RAIDS Online is free of advertising and the company doesn’t sell the data to third-party vendors. “We wanted to do something to help law enforcement in these tough economic times,” the former police officer said. “We consider this a basic service that we are more than happy to provide to the public and our law enforcement friends.”
Macon said Davis came across the system. “I had been looking for something like this as part of our community-oriented policing. I had been looking for software to do data analytics. We thought that vendor was the best we found.”
Law enforcement in Raleigh, Durham and Greenville, as well as some agencies on the federal level are using it.
Macon believes the system will help with several law enforcement strategies, including placement of officers as well as budget planning for resources.
It will help the department establish enforcement using the Koper Curve Model, placing officers in hotspots every 12 to 15 minutes to help deter crime. “It’s basic law enforcement with technology,” Macon said. “It’s safety with a plan and a purpose.”
The public portion of the system not only can show crime statistics but other information as well, including hazardous conditions, railroad crossings and the locations of government agencies.
“It makes them aware of what’s going on in their neighborhoods,” Macon said. “It helps them look for specific crimes.”
The information can be helpful to someone thinking of moving to the community, the chief said.
And, Macon said, “I don’t mind a criminal seeing that. I want them to know we’re looking.”
The chief said the mayor and town board supported the purchase of the software. “The board and mayor are proactive when it comes to giving us the tools to fight crime.”
