Police use new crime tracker technology

NEW BRAUNFELS (KXAN) - New technology is providing neighborhood crime statistics to the New Braunfels police department and residents.

The police are paying to for the services of CrimeReports.com, a database which compiles and maps crimes in the city.

"We're using the technology now that I think people are used to," said Police Chief Ron Everett. "Anything that we in law enforcement can to do educate the public and provide them with information about crime and disorder in the city is very valuable."

The department sends crime information to the site, which in turn enters it into the database and maps the information. The service is free to citizens who are looking for crime trends in their neighborhoods.

"Crime occurs," said Chief Everett. "This helps them see that - helps them see the close proximity to the places they live and shop and park their cars."

The city subscribes to the service for $200 each month. On Monday, CrimeReports.com released a free iPhone application which makes available all of the crime information on the website.

"We're pleased to provide enhanced communication tools and timely safety information to our citizens," said Chief Everett.

The CrimeReports iPhone app and the website allow users to filter data by location or address, incident type, and customizable date range. Users can view recent neighborhood crimes on a map or in a list and view national sex offender data alongside crime in their neighborhood. They also provide free, automated, email crime alerts.