Mapping Feature Brings Real-Time Crime Info

BROOKSVILLE - Nosy neighbors rejoice.
A new feature on the sheriff's office's Web site provides the public with real-time information about the crime in their neighborhood.
The mapping system is the latest version of the software crime analysts use to track trends such as vandalism, break-ins and robberies.
John Q. Citizen is now invited to take a look too, using satellite imagery to chart what crimes have occurred within two miles of an address.
The information is updated at 6 a.m. seven days a week, so there's a good chance you'll find an explanation for the swarm of cops on your street last night.
Sheriff Richard Nugent heralded the software in a press conference Monday as the latest step towards keeping the public informed about crime in their neighborhood.
"This is about as real-time as you're going to get," he said.
Nugent's department is the first in Florida and the sixth in the nation to acquire the software.
Because the sheriff's office already contracts with California-based Omega Group, the $5,000 set up fee was waived. Instead, a $250 monthly fee will be paid over a three-year contract. The project is funded entirely by drug forfeiture money, the sheriff said.
Folks moving to the area frequently call the sheriff's office to find out what type of crime exists around their prospective home. This provides them with a clear answer, Nugent said.
Another benefit Nugent points to is the up-to-date information now available to neighborhood Crime Watches. The civilian community policing groups get together once a month to trade notes, but by then their information is stale.
Carol Defilippo, treasurer of the Ridge Manor Crime Watch, was amazed by the Web site. After a quick trip online, Defilippo learned that there had been four burglaries and a stolen vehicle recently in her Lakewood subdivision.
Crime watch members will probably review the information before going out on patrols, she said.
"I'm assuming it would make a major amount of difference," she said.
Visitors to the Web site can sift through a variety of parameters. Information on 14 crimes - such as DUI, assaults, burglaries - are available for the past 30 days. Sex crimes are exempt, as are child abuse, exploitation of the elderly and stalking. Historical data is not available.
Crimes within the city limits fall into the Brooksville Police Department's jurisdiction and are not available.