Citizens in Hall County now have an easier way to access information about law enforcement activity in the community.
The Hall County Sheriff's Office new
Sheriff to Citizen website was formally introduced to the public on Tuesday, Sept. 11, even though some of the online content on the new page has been available for a few weeks.
According to Sheriff's Office spokesman Derreck Booth, the new site provides information and reports online that were previously accessible only with a visit to the Sheriff's Office Records Division. Booth said the new site should save time for citizens and streamline operations for Sheriff's Office personnel.
He said he's already noticed improved access for those who are interested in locating information on the county's inmate population, the first feature that was activated on the new site. Court personnel, bail bond companies and family members have been using the feature, he said.
"Since we've put this up, I've not received a single email or complaint about the jail population list," Booth said.
Hall County Sheriff Gerald Couch, at a demonstration of the site for local media, said the feature of the site that pleases him most is the one that allows citizens to make certain incident reports online.
"Online crime reporting is something I've wanted us to do since I first took office, but we didn't have the technology infrastructure," Couch said. "This is just another avenue for citizens to be able to report a non-violent, non-confrontational type of crime. They can do it at their leisure 24/7."
Couch emphasized that citizens who prefer working face-to-face with a deputy for crime reports can still do so; the online element is simply another way to work with the Sheriff's Office.
Right now, the new site includes six basic features:
EVENT MAP
The Sheriff to Citizen event map plots accidents, arrests and incidents on a map of Hall County. Users may choose between map and satellite views. By clicking a red icon on the map, the list on the right side of the screen automatically navigates to information about the event.
EVENT SEARCH
Members of the public seeking information on specific accidents, arrests or incidents may use the event search tool. Citizens can choose criteria ranging from names to dates and addresses.
ACCIDENTS
Sheriff to Citizen allows residents to search for and print copies of reports for traffic accidents worked by the Sheriff’s Office. When a name and date is entered, the tool prompts users to enter additional information required by the state to view the report.
INMATES
This feature allows the public to browse through a list of current Hall County Jail inmates. The inmate list also has a search feature.
DAILY BULLETIN
The daily bulletin is a modern take on the old-fashioned police blotter. The bulletin includes accidents, arrests and incidents worked by the Sheriff’s Office on the previous day.
REPORT INCIDENT
This function allows the community to report certain incidents to the Sheriff’s Office. These include: lost property, theft, vandalism, phone harassment, criminal trespass and stolen, lost or damaged license plate or decal. This feature is only for the non-emergency incidents listed above.
Booth also pointed out the site has a section for Frequently Asked Questions, which should help citizens as they navigate the new system.
Follow this link to the new Sheriff to Citizen website.
Follow this link to the Hall County Sheriff's Office website.
