Want to know what’s going on in your community? It’s easier than ever to find out, thanks to a new feature on www.colliersheriff.org.
The public now has access to a searchable text file that lists Collier County Sheriff’s Office calls for service including burglaries, thefts, vehicle break-ins, assaults and much more. The file is updated every three hours and is a complement to the website’s searchable crime maps. The maps show nearly real-time information about where crimes and calls for service are being reported. The maps also display the address, description and photograph of each registered sexual offender in Collier County.
“The more informed our citizens are, the safer we are as a community,” said Sheriff Kevin Rambosk.
To access the text file, site visitors should click on the “Crime Maps” icon on the home page, then click on the icon that says “Calls For Service Data” on the column on the left side of the page.
The file allows users to search by a keyword to find a specific type of call or call location. The file also displays deputy-initiated calls such as traffic stops, and welfare checks and other public information.
The text file is the latest in a series of tools Sheriff Rambosk has provided to keep the community informed. Since taking office in 2009 Sheriff Rambosk has also authorized the creation of the following technological tools that enhance the sharing of information between CCSO and the community.
• An enhanced arrest log that allows site visitors to search by first name, last name, arrest date or booking number for arrests in Collier County dating back to 2000.
• The Internet site ccso.tv, which offers CCSO-produced safety and crime-prevention videos, profiles of cold cases and unedited footage of many CCSO press conferences.
• “On Scene,” a monthly television show that provides an up-close look at CCSO, information on how to stay safe, information on wanted criminals and more. “On Scene” airs on the Collier County Government television channel, the Collier County School District’s Education Channel and ccso.tv.
• Online crime reporting through the agency’s website. The tool allows people to report several types of crimes that don’t require immediate emergency assistance or investigation — criminal mischief, lost property, harassing phone calls, petty theft, grand theft up to $1,000, animal complaints, identity theft and property damage.
• A Facebook fan page that features a broad range of crime and safety news, including videos and information organized in easy to navigate sections. Separate areas are established for youth, cold cases, and photos. There’s even a place where visitors can submit a tip and help solve a crime. Another section of the fan page offers downloadable computer wallpaper images. The page can be found at www.facebook.com/colliersheriff.
• The CCSO2go iPhone application, which offers news, traffic, arrest reports, video and social sites Facebook/Twitter right at your fingertips. In addition, the application offers mapping that allows the user to locate and contact the Sheriff's Office headquarters and substations. An Android version of the application is currently in production.
