Online police reports off to slow start in Brown County

One month ago the Brown County Sheriff's Office launched a new tool for people to report crime.

However, the online portal has not taken off like expected.

Currently only five people have submitted reports through the new online system.

The Brown County Sheriff's Office is hoping to grow that number to 20 each month.

"It is a start, definitely a start" says Captain Keith Deneys.

He says it is taking time to not only educate the public , but his staff about the option to e-report.

" We are still trying to get officers and dispatch to the point of knowing it is there" Capt. Deneys explains.

While only a few people have used the portal he says every click helps. "If you think about it that is five times and officer has not had to respond to a specific  scene " says Capt. Deneys.  

"It is nice for people to have that option because sometimes it is not a priority call they may wait awhile for an officer to arrive" explains Rick Loppnow, the Directed Enforcement Officer in the Village of Allouez.

He  is working to re-build the neighborhood watch program and sees this as a valuable tool.

Loppnow hopes the new system encourages people to report even minor crimes.

"If we are able to make an arrest and we have a report on file we can figure out who is responsible for different crimes" Loppnow explains.  

The system can handle online reports for harassing phone calls, identity theft, lost property and vandalism. Brown County also has plans to add a fifth option, minor theft, in the near future.

While growing the high tech system is the goal, face to face help with always be an option.

"If they want a deputy to come out there will be deputy at their door" says Capt. Deneys.

This online portal also includes a map, with current crime statistics in the community.

To see that, and check out the online crime reporting click here.