Online crime reports in Beavercreek

BEAVERCREEK, Ohio (WDTN) - Crime fighting goes high tech in Beavercreek where computers are now being used as cops.

When people talk about taking a bite out of crime, computer bytes aren't what they're usually referring to, but that may be changing.

"We're kind of unsure what kind of reception this will receive from the public, but I think in time once the public tests this process, it will become more and more used," said Sgt. Jim Wuebben of the Beavercreek Police Department.

He's talking about online crime reporting. Beavercreek has joined Dayton and other communities who let you file some police reports with a few clicks and key strokes.

"Our communications operators have been instructed that they start the process by offering the option for a citizen to report something online. It's not a requirement," said Wuebben.

Online reporting is only for small time crimes, cases like vandalism or theft.

Hundreds of crimes a year fall into those categories in Beavercreek and that could save the city money and you time.

We decided to look into the process for you to see how difficult it is and found out it's actually pretty easy.

Descriptions help you pick what category your crime falls under.

After that, it's just typing in a lot of basic information, but some wonder whether the online reports are taken as seriously as ones done in person.

So we asked officers about those concerns.

"We do a review process just as if the report was filed face to face," said Wuebben.

Once an officer approves it, you get an e-mail copy.