The Twin Falls Police Department has a newly launched crime-mapping software that will let you know.
"People have wanted more information," said Sgt. Steven Gassert, who, with his computer coding and development skills, helped make the program available to the public.
Gassert said it isn't uncommon for residents to inquire about general locations of particular crimes. Perhaps they are interested in purchasing a home and want to know if it is located in an area perceived to be safe. Or a resident sees several police cars in his neighborhood and wonders whether it's something he should be concerned about.
The new software program, accessed at https://www.crimemapping.com/map/agency/703, will be useful for the public to have those questions answered, Gassert said.
Another potential use is to notify citizens when a rash of crimes such as vehicle burglaries is occurring in their neighborhood, he said, and to serve as a reminder for people to lock their vehicles and leave a porch light on.
Icons for 15 crime categories, including arson, assault, burglary, vandalism and vehicle burglaries, will be used in mapping the crimes in the approximate location — but not the exact location — of where the crimes occurred in the city. Clicking the icon will give more information about the reported crime, and if a citizen wants more information, a link is available for them to request the police report.
Anyone can search by area or date up to 180 days. Residents can also set up alerts to be notified when a particular crime occurs in their neighborhood.
It's the first program like it in Magic Valley, Gassert said, although a few agencies in Treasure Valley have something similar.
It won't be in real-time as police reports need to be approved by officers' supervisors and the records department.
The time it takes to be posted online will depend on the type of crime, Gassert said. If no immediate suspects are identified, the offense will likely show on the map within a few days. It may take longer if a suspect has been identified or if law enforcement officers are actively investigating the case.
Because of privacy concerns, some crimes including rape or sexual battery will not be reported on the map.
"We hope people will use it," city spokesman Josh Palmer said.
Palmer said the city offers other online services that residents may not be aware of, including ways to file an online police report, log an offensive-odor complaint, or make a comment or complaint.
Gassert said the program shows the city is investing in technology to make more information available to the public.
The Twin Falls Police Department reported a 1.35% drop in crime in 2023, according to the latest Crime in Idaho statistics recently released by the Idaho State Police.
Online services galore
The city of Twin Falls offers various online services. Here are a few:
Crime-mapping software
https://www.crimemapping.com/map/agency/703.
File an online police report:
https://twinfallspdid.policetocitizen.com/home
Report an offensive odor:
https://www.tfid.org/FormCenter/City-Administration-2/Report-an-Odor-in-the-City-of-Twin-Falls-48
Submit a general comment or complaint:
https://www.tfid.org/FormCenter/City-Administration-2/General-InquiryCommentComplaint-Form-45
Pay your utility bill:
https://tfid.merchanttransact.com/Login
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