The Montgomery County Police Department has started an Internet-based program designed to handle the filing of certain crime reports by county residents.
» The incident is not an emergency.
» It occurred within Montgomery County.
» There are no known suspects.
» It did not occur on a state highway.
» The value of property stolen is less than $10,000.
» The complaint contains a valid e-mail address.
The system, called CopLogic, is already used by Arlington County police and other police departments around the country to “streamline the public’s ability to receive information and assist in furthering crime-fighting efforts,” a Montgomery police spokeswoman said.
CopLogic is limited to the reporting of thefts under $10,000, vandalism, identity theft and lost property in Montgomery County. If there are known suspects or it’s an emergency, residents should call the police directly. Complaints filed via the county’s Web site at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/police by clicking on “Citizens Online Reporting,” must have a valid e-mail address.
After filling out the CopLogic complaint form, the copy will be sent to the filer’s e-mail address. Each complaint will be reviewed by police personnel who may contact the filer if they need additional information. The report will be assigned a case number and the information will be added to the statistical database.
The system allows residents reporting crimes to avoid what can sometimes be lengthy delays for non-emergency calls, the spokeswoman said. Emergency calls to 911 get priority, while non-emergency calls are sent to the end of the line.
