MPD launches new crime tracking, tip website for residents

MADISON, Wis. — The Madison Police Department is launching a new crime mapping system that allows residents to search for crimes that happened in their area.

Community Crime Map allows residents to filter crimes and search for certain types of crimes. For example, residents can search for how many auto thefts have happened within a half-mile radius of their address.

“We were using Crimereports.com and we ended up going with Lexis Nexis Community Crime Map because of the more robust features and the more options that citizens can have,” Sgt. Dave Minert, Madison Police Department, said.

The site lets residents filter through various crimes by type, date and location. Users can send tips and attach pictures and videos, which are checked daily by an MPD officer.

“You can put in any information you want. This is completely anonymous,” Minert said.

Daily, weekly and monthly crime alerts are also available, letting residents know what has been reported in a certain area. The website syncs with MPD’s records management system to update crime reports.

Police officials say the website is a useful tool for people across Dane County because other law enforcement agencies can also use the information.

“In law enforcement, we’re constantly looking for ways to improve our processes and systems, build relationships with the community and this is just another way to show that we’re building that trust,” Minert said.

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