CLEARLAKE >> Locals will now have access to Clearlake’s law enforcement information and public records at the click of a button through the Police Departments’ adoption of software aimed at providing as much data as possible via an organized digital hub. The program, dubbed Citizen RIMS, will allow anyone to see crime data in real time while reducing the number of requests for information the Clearlake Police Department handles as most information is provided on the website (clpd.crimegraphics.com/2013/default.aspx).
The announcement came during Thursday’s city council meeting. Councilmembers and the public had the chance to navigate through the website as CPD guided them through each feature.
Among them are:
Most Wanted
This section displays wanted bulletins for subjects that are generally wanted by CPD for “violent, sexual, or weapon-related offenses.” The department said Citizens RIMS would allow for more data to show that is not typically provided in the warrants sections.
Missing Persons
Individuals who are reported missing to the CPD and have yet to be located can be found listed under this tab with dates, the person’s details and a photograph if available.
Stolen Vehicles
Here one can find a list of stolen vehicles within the last 365 days that have not yet been recovered.
Warrants A searchable list of subjects that have active arrest warrants is listed with the individual’s description and charges are shown.
Arrests
A log with arrests that occurred within the past 30 days is offered with basic information, including a mug shot.
Crime Charts
A summary of crime data — such as homicide, rape, and robbery — are provided via “easily understood” charts, with information tracing as far back as 2015.
Crime Mapping
This crime-pin, mapping feature offers more information about an incident when the user chooses a date frame and category.
Past Activity Mapping
This feature shows calls for service where users can choose a date span to be mapped. Clicking on the map icon for an incident displays (limited) data available for the event. By limiting the crimes or calls for service one can search a broader range of dates and observe what is happening in the neighborhood. Incidents are included in this search once the officers have cleared the scene.
Bulletin
A bulletin of the day, updated daily according to CPD.
Press Releases
This lists the press releases issued by the department.
Security Camera Registration
This allows residents to register the number of security cameras in one’s home or business and the amount of time the recordings are maintained for.
An alerts tab also allows users to subscribe to a free service that sends emails with incident/crime data on a daily or weekly basis.
Citizens RIMS can also be located on CPD’s webpage under “Quick Links.”
The computer-aided design and records management systems provider, owned by the California-based company Sun Ridge Systems, serves 155 agencies in the state, including CPD, and in surrounding states.
“Today, communities demand access to law enforcement information and public records. Agency transparency is integral to positive community relationships,” the company explains on its website.
Similarly, the CPD said, “In today’s age, the public is used to being able to look up just about anything on the internet, which includes government information. The goal of this software is to make as much information available to the public in an easy to use and attractive website.” in real time.
Interim Police Chief Tim Celli explained that he has wanted to implement Citizens RIMS “for quite some time” and is glad the department found funds for the project as the project is compatible with the department’s current records management system.
Celli encourages residents to register their camera systems, which may help in solving crimes and make communities safer.
