You can shop, play, order pizza and now, you can report a crime online.
Hamilton Township, N.J. is encouraging residents to submit reports of small crimes electronically, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
The paper reports that the change comes after the police department lost 21 employees because of budget cuts over the past year and a half. The department has already stopped sending officers to the scene of smaller incidents that are not in progress. However, Capt. Mike Petuskey does want to assure residents police will still show up when needed.
"If someone needs the Police Department, we will be there, Petuskey told the Press.
Residents can log on to HamiltonPD.com, to report minor motor accidents, theft, criminal mischief, harassment, barking dogs, etc. where an on-site officer is not a necessity. The online reports will be followed up when time allows, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
Capt. Petuskey told the paper that it’s important for officers to focus on important issues rather than instantly responding to reports of minor crimes.
Kiosks will be set up outside of township’s Municipal Building to report crimes, according to the Press of Atlantic City.
