|
Spokane County's Crime Check returns
Hope -
12/5/2008
Crime Check Returns In 30 Days
Here's a note from Spokane County about the return of the crime reporting service:
It’s a number that many area residents remember, even though it hasn’t worked for the past few years – 456-2233.
And on Jan. 5, 2009, Crime Check returns to Spokane County – 456-2233. The phones get switched back on at noon that Monday, and call receivers will again begin taking crime reports from Spokane County citizens.
And Crime Check really is all about “crime.”
When the service was retired for lack of funding and residents were asked to report crime online or to the Crime Reporting Center with reduced hours, law enforcement saw a significant drop in crime statistics – not because crime had been reduced, but because reporting crime had become too cumbersome for many of its victims.
Police agencies use those crime statistics to plan their response to crime trends, and the drop in numbers significantly impacted both proactive and reactive plans for fighting crime in Spokane County.
With Crime Check’s return in January, law enforcement planners and analysts hope they will have a more complete picture of crime in Spokane County, and can improve their efforts to combat it.
Citizens will also have a much simpler way to report crime – 456-2233, a number available 24-hours a day, seven days a week. The resurrected Crime Check number should allow 911 to again be the emergency-only contact for law enforcement and fire services.
What Crime Check won’t be is a source for non-crime related information. Citizens should call Crime Check –
- To file a police report over the phone for a crime that is no longer occurring.
- If you witnessed a crime that previously occurred.
- If you have information about a past crime.
- To add information to a previous crime report.
- If you are a victim of a crime that is not in progress.
- To report a crime after the fact that does not require an officer or deputy response.
You should call 9-1-1 –
- If you are the victim of a crime that is in progress or has just occurred.
- If you are witnessing a crime in progress or that has just occurred.
- If you are a crime victim and the suspect is still nearby.
- If you need an officer or deputy now.
- If you are reporting a fire or medical emergency.
- If you need rescue because you or someone else is trapped.
Tips to remember when calling 9-1-1 –
- Know where you are and your telephone number.
- Stay calm and answer the call receiver’s questions. Stay on the line until all questions have been answered.
- If you are unsure you have an emergency, call 9-1-1. The call receiver will decide what action is necessary.
- Do not call 9-1-1 or Crime Check for information. Consult you phone provider for directory assistance.
|
