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BPD Introduces Two On-line Tools for Citizens

The Bellevue Police Department is pleased to provide two new tools to citizens: a blog for the Community Policing program and an online crime mapping service.

The COPPS Blog is adminstered by the Community Policing and Problem-Solving (COPPS) Unit. It is primarily intended to enhance communication among Neighborhood Watch groups; but any citizen can use it. To read the blog, citizens don't have to be registered. To post a comment, follow the instructions for registration which appear in the bottom right corner on the blog page.

Community Policing Coordinator Jayme Krueger said so far the Neighborhood Watch Captains are excited to have the blog. She said, "they see it as way to communicate with active members who can’t always make meetings as well as to promote membership. Hopefully we’ll be able to include more people because they have another way to keep in contact in with everybody in case they can’t always attend the meetings."

The Crime Reports crime mapping system is a tool for citizens to see daily updates of crime occuring in Bellevue and receive email alerts if a crime occurs near their homes or office. To receive automated alerts, a user has to set up a free account.

Cheif John Stacey said he's hopeful Bellevue citizens make good use of both tools. He said, "We are constantly striving to find ways to increase our service to the city. By making crime information available, as well as a means for citizens to discuss what happens in their neighborhoods, we are letting criminals know that they are being watched."

Both tools are free to citizens and can be accessed directly from the homepage by selecting one of the links in the upper right, just above the chief's message. Questions about using the blog can be directed to Jayme Krueger, the Community Policing Coordinator at jkrueger@bellevue.net.