The public can access the free crime data through the City’s website, www.cityofgreenwoodsc.com.  On the right side of the home page is a prominently displayed “CrimeReports” icon. By simply clicking on that icon, the citizen is routed to the CrimeReports page, where they can type in their address. The page then displays a map of Greenwood with different symbols peppering the screen. By clicking on the symbol, it displays the type of incident that occurred (such as assault, burglary, robbery, theft) as well as the block where the incident took place.

There are also small red triangles at various areas on the map. By clicking on those, the citizen opens a small window which displays the photograph, name, address, and other information about a person listed on the South Carolina Sex Offender Registry.

“The Greenwood Police Department is demonstrating its leadership in law enforcement by finding new ways to connect with the public at a personal level,” said Greg Whisenant, founder and CEO of CrimeReports. By partnering with us, they are recognizing the value of the public’s involvement and being proactive in both policing and investing in programs that make a difference.”

The partnership Whisenant described is actually the Greenwood Police Department‘s second step in this direction, according to Chief Brooks. Last year, in July 2010, the department began a partnership with “PoliceReports.us” which allows a motorist involved in a traffic accident investigated by the department to obtain a copy of the accident report online. Although there is a $5.50 fee, divided between the police department and PoliceReports.us, Brooks stated that he believes the method offers a real bargain. “If you come to the Police Department for an accident report, we have to charge you $2.00, which honestly, is miniscule,” he said. “But for an additional $3.50, you can get the report without ever leaving home.

Considering the convenience, fuel savings at today’s gasoline prices, and not having to wait in line, I would choose the internet every time,” he added. Brooks went on to say that most people only need an accident for their insurance company. “The insurance companies can go on – line and get the same report”, he said,” and they pay the $5.50, meaning the motorist pays nothing. This method is quicker, cheaper, and more convenient.”

To access an accident report filed by Greenwood Police, go to www.PoliceReports.Us.  Click on “Obtain a Report”, select the state of South Carolina and then select Greenwood SC Police Department.

According to Chief Brooks, no other law enforcement agency in the state is offering both CrimeReports and PoliceReports to its citizens. “We are constantly seeking ways to be more efficient and more effective and to be more user-friendly to the public we serve”. He concluded by saying that the department is exploring a method that would allow citizens to file certain reports online, if they would rather do that than have an officer respond, and that he hopes to have it in place and operational early in 2012.