FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 16, 2019
Greenwood launches crime mapping software
Software includes ability to map, track and monitor certain crimes within city limits
GREENWOOD, Ind. —
The Greenwood Police Department (GPD) today launched a map-based software to inform residents and businesses on recent crimes that occur within city limits. The user-friendly tool will be updated weekly to provide the most up-to-date information.
Crime categories include theft, criminal mischief and burglary. Greenwood Police Chief John Laut says increased knowledge of such crimes can lead to greater awareness, communication and ultimately, prevention.
“We often receive requests for crime data in specific areas and neighborhoods,” said Laut. “The new software provides an easy tool for anyone to access such data and, if necessary, take greater precaution to lock doors, remove valuables from plain sight and confirm authenticity of solicitors. It’s another strategy to improve public safety in our community.”
Laut also recognized GPD Crime Analyst Misty Ituarte for her work as the lead architect on the software. Ituarte participated in intensive geographic information system (GIS) training and began designing the custom mapping software in late 2018.
Visitors to the software receive basic information regarding each crime – type, date, general location – which currently includes incidents dating back to Jan. 1, 2019. If someone prefers greater detail on a specific incident, they may contact GPD and pay for a full report.
Greenwood Mayor Mark W. Myers, who announced the software during his State of the City address this past February, praised the department’s efforts.
“Greenwood has always been known as a safe place to live, work and play,” said Myers. “That doesn’t mean we should ever let our guard down and allow it to change. Community awareness and understanding is a big part of that process, and residents and businesses deserve easy access to public safety data,” said Myers.
Within the software, visitors have the ability to search by crime, date and location. It also allows users to create customized incident perimeters. To do so, the user picks a location, selects a buffer distance and the tool will highlight all of the incidents within the designated area.
The Greenwood Police Department plans to include additional data from past years in the near future. For more information, visit https://bit.ly/2Z812g6.
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