The Wauwatosa Police Department is reaching out to the community with a modern solution for reporting non-emergency crimes. The department's online reporting tool is designed to be an efficient avenue for residents to report specific types of incidents, as detailed in a recent announcement obtained by the City of Wauwatosa. The available online form accommodates reports of retail theft, general theft, vandalism, vehicle entry, and fraud, including identity theft. Retailers are also encouraged to submit past incidences of retail theft through this portal.
Recognizing that not all crimes demand an immediate police presence, the Wauwatosa PD's system ensures that each online submission is reviewed by a patrol supervisor, who will then triage the report to the appropriate staff member for documentation or further investigation. "Sometimes people hesitate to report smaller incidents because they think it’s not worth our time," Lt. Cory Wex expressed on the City of Wauwatosa's website, "But we want to know when these things happen. Even small reports can help us identify patterns in a neighborhood or guide where we focus patrols."
Residents can now submit digital evidence more conveniently. Those with relevant photos, videos, or documents will be contacted by an investigating officer and provided with a secure link to upload their materials, ensuring the process is both streamlined and secure.
By implementing this online reporting system, the Wauwatosa Police Department aims to make it easier for residents to report minor crimes they might otherwise overlook. The department emphasizes the importance of tracking crime trends, which can help guide preventative measures and targeted patrols. Their goal is to gain a comprehensive understanding of local criminal activity and respond appropriately, regardless of the scale of the incident, as mentioned in the same news.
