Bair Software just released this 90-second video showing the many features of RAIDS Online.  The video shows RAIDS Online’s new anonymous web tips capability that allows you to submit a tip about a crime directly to your local law enforcement agency. Watch the video and tell us if you like it!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

HIGHLANDS RANCH, CO – The Santa Rosa Police Department, CA recently partnered with Bair Software to provide interactive crime mapping for their public through RAIDS Online (www.raidsonline.com). RAIDS Online makes it easy for Santa Rosa residents to keep track of crime in their neighborhoods by displaying crimes on a map as they occur. Residents can access the crime map from any location with internet access, including cell phones with internet browsing capabilities. The service also allows residents to sign up for customized email reports of the crime activity near their homes.

Screenshot of Santa Rosa's new interactive public crime map

Citizens who use RAIDS Online to become aware of crime trends can make more informed decisions regarding where they live, shop, play, send their kids to school and other important choices regarding their personal safety.

Bair Software provides this service at no cost to the Santa Rosa Police Department or their citizens.

“We wanted to do something to help law enforcement in these tough economic times. We consider this a basic service that we are more than happy to provide to the public and our law enforcement friends,” says company founder, Sean Bair, a former police officer and crime analyst.

Santa Rosa crime between November 1, 2010 and November 30, 2010

RAIDS Online syncs with the Santa Rosa Police Department’s records system to automatically upload crime information and keep it updated on the map. It uses Google Maps to display the location and basic information for crimes. Users can choose which crimes and date range are displayed on the map and can also view the data in an analytics dashboard which automatically updates when the user adjusts filters. Residents can also stay informed about crime by signing up for crime activity reports that are conveniently emailed automatically on a daily, weekly or monthly schedule.

The public can access Santa Rosa’s crime map at:
http://www.raidsonline.com/?address=Santa%20Rosa%2CCA

Download the press release and images:
CA-Santa-Rosa-PRESS-RELEASE

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About Bair Software
For more than 20 years, Bair Software Inc. has provided cutting-edge analytical software, consulting and training solutions for law enforcement, public safety, national defense and academic institutions worldwide. For more information, visit www.bairsoftware.com.

Press contacts
Thad Quimby
Bair Software Inc.
thad.quimby@bairsoftware.com
(303) 346-6000

Note to Editors: For additional information call (303) 346-6000 or visit Bair Software’s website (www.bairsoftware.com).

Introduced in the mid-90’s by New York Police Department officials, COMPSTAT (Computer-aided Statistics) is a crime-reduction program that uses statistics, maps and information sharing to hold police supervisors accountable for the reduction strategies that they adopt in their jurisdictions. Typically, an agency’s Crime Analyst participates in this forum on a scheduled basis to inform key personnel of past and current crime patterns; command staff then uses the information to create solutions that could reduce or end crimes occurring in their districts. This type of pro-active crime reduction program has led to the creation of Intelligence Led Policing – a method of incorporating critical data and intelligence analysis as well as input from the public in order to reduce crimes in specific neighborhoods.

In addition to sharing data among key personnel in a law enforcement agency, it has also become more popular to also share critical information with an agency’s community through some sort of online crime mapping program. By sharing data (albeit limited), citizens can become more aware of crimes in their particular neighborhoods, resulting in more cooperation with their local law enforcement to assist in reducing those crimes. In addition, citizens are given the ability to send information back to the Law Enforcement agency about crimes in progress, suspect locations or other tips that may help an agency solve crimes.

RAIDS Online provides the public with many of the same statistics that law enforcement use. The interactive map allows you to filter out or query certain data by crime type, date, and a search radius. The grid behind the map reflects your filters and provides information about each event such as location type and 100 block addresses. The analytics in RAIDS Online show crime percentage breakdowns, crime by day of week, a crime timeline and a temporal topology to show the time of day and day of week when the incidents are occurring.

While the statistics viewed by the public on RAIDS may or may not be an indication of a crime pattern, RAIDS does contribute to the public’s safety by keeping citizens informed about activities in their neighborhoods plus offers a method for citizens to share critical information with their law enforcement agency.

Do YOU Know

      Your Neighbors?

               Do They Know You?

Did you know the Neighborhood Watch Program has been in effect for over thirty years in towns, cities, and rural areas across the country?  Do you realize how invaluable your eyes and ears can be to your neighbor?  Neighborhood Watch is a program of neighbors watching out for one another and reporting suspicious activity to police.  It’s based on the concept of cooperation between law enforcement, city officials and residents.  By taking an active role in the protection of their homes and families, residents are better able to discourage criminal activity and keep their neighborhoods safe.

The ABCs of Neighborhood Watch

• Any community resident can join — young and old, single or married, renter or home owner.
• A few concerned residents with assistance from their local police department’s Crime Prevention Unit can easily organize a Watch.
• Members learn how to make their homes more secure, watch out for each other and the neighborhood, and report activities that raise their suspicions to the police.
• You can form a Watch group around any geographical unit such as a block, apartment complex, park, business area, or public housing complex.
• Watch groups are not vigilantes. They are simply extra eyes and ears for reporting crime and helping neighbors.

Getting Organized

When a group decides to form a Neighborhood Watch, they:

• Should contact their local police department’s Crime Prevention Unit for help with training members in home security, reporting methods and how to gather information on local crime patterns.
• Select a coordinator and block captains who are responsible for organizing meetings and relaying information to members. Neighborhood Watch meetings can be held in schools, churches or homes.
• Recruit members, contacts new residents and make an effort to involve as many residents as possible.
• Work with the Crime Prevention Unit to purchase and install Neighborhood Watch signs.

Neighbors look for…

• Someone looking into windows and parked cars.
• Unusual noises.
• Property being taken out of closed businesses or houses where no one is at home.
• Vehicles moving slowly with no apparent destination, passing by numerous times, or driving without lights.
• Anyone being forced into a vehicle.
• A stranger sitting in a car or stopping to talk to a child.
• Abandoned cars.
• Strangers running through private yards or alleyways

Additional Projects and Programs

Many projects within a Neighborhood Watch program contribute to its success.  An example is Citizens On Patrol.  As the name implies, Citizens on Patrol are citizens who, after being screened, background checked, and trained by local law enforcement, patrol their communities acting as “eyes and ears” for law enforcement.

 The National Neighborhood Watch Institute offers a system for property protection called Operation Identification.   The program involves marking valuables with a specific number that identifies the owner.  This assists in the retrieval of personal property as well as discourages theft.

Think About It

The Neighborhood Watch Program is one of the most effective and important anti-crime strategies in the country.  For any community that is interested in providing its citizens a safe and pleasant environment, a crime watch program is one of the least expensive ways in which to do so. 

Just think about it!  A police officer patrolling your neighborhood may not recognize a stranger in your yard, but your neighbors would. Neighbors know who you are and the type of car you drive. They may be the first to notice a burglar at your window or a strange car in your driveway.  Be a good neighbor and look out for each other!     

It’s All About Big $$$

In the United States, two vehicles are stolen every minute.  Motor vehicle theft is no longer a crime committed by teenagers simply out for a joyride.  It’s big business often run by organized crime rings out to make big profits at your expense! 

Although more than half (62%) of stolen vehicles are found, sometimes with severe damage, the remaining vehicles end up in the hands of organized criminals and end up going in one of three places:

• Shipped overseas and sold on the black market
• Stripped at a chop shop, with its parts sold to body shop operators who then sell the parts or install them on other vehicles
• Resold to an unsuspecting consumer

Which Would You Choose?

Which car do you think would be more tempting for a car thief? A brand new Honda Civic with a navigation system, XM satellite radio and heated leather seats or one that is 13 years old with fabric seats and been driven over 150,000 miles?  Surprisingly, the thief wants the old car.

At least that’s the word from the “Hot Wheels 2008″ auto theft report from the National Insurance Crime Bureau  (NCIB) that ranks the most stolen vehicles in 2007. At the top of the list is the 1995 Honda Civic followed by the 1991 Honda Accord. This is the fourth year in a row that the ’95 Civic has been in the top 10.

The top 10 most stolen cars in 2007:

Oldies but goodies!  Why are the oldies such goodies in the eyes of car thieves?

They’re full of replacement parts such as catalytic converters. Hondas are especially wanted since Honda engine components fit other Honda car models. That is, parts from a Civic will also fit an Accord.  We see a large amount of older Hondas and Toyotas on the road because they’re so reliable which is a good thing.  Unfortunately, this makes them a bigger target.

A Few Simple Steps  Could Save You a Major Headache!

The NCIB encourages everyone to follow what it calls a “layered approach” to auto theft protection.   The four layers are:

Layer #1 – Common Sense: The common sense approach to protection is the easiest and most cost-effective way to protect your vehicle. You should always:

• Remove keys from ignition
• Lock doors/close windows
• Park in well-lit areas

Layer #2 – Warning Device: The second layer of protection is using visible or audible devices to warn thieves that your vehicle is protected. A few examples are:

• Audible alarms
• Steering column collars
• Steering wheel/Brake pedal lock
• Brake locks
• Wheel locks
• Tire locks/Tire deflators
• Theft deterrent decals
• Identification markers in or on vehicle

 Layer #3 – Immobilizing Device: The third layer of protection is using a device to prevent thieves from bypassing your ignition and hot-wiring the vehicle.  Some electronic devices have computer chips in ignition keys. Other devices inhibit the flow of electricity or fuel to the engine until a hidden switch or button is activated.  Popular devices include:

• Smart keys
• Fuse cut-offs
• Kill switches
• Starter, ignition and fuel disablers
• Wireless, ignition authentication

Layer # 4 – Tracking Device: The final layer of protection is a tracking device that emits a signal to police or a monitoring station when the vehicle is stolen.  Tracking devices are extremely effective in helping authorities recover stolen vehicles.

Common sense and awareness coupled with a few simple steps can save you a great deal of frustration while making a car thief’s life a little more difficult.

A parent’s worst fear is having their child irreversibly hurt in such a way that leaves emotional scars for life.  Sexual assault is a perfect example of such a fear.  Unfortunately, much of what we know regarding sexual assault against children is based on myths. As a result, some of our fears are unwarranted while other beliefs leave our children unprotected. 

What You Know: Fact or Fiction

The people behind Megan’s Law in California have put together a great quiz to test your knowledge about sex offenders. Take the quiz to find out how much of what you know is accurate or based on myths. Then come back here for some tips on how to keep your children safe.

Here are a couple questions that cover some of the most common misconceptions we’ve come across:

Most child sexual abusers use physical force or threat to gain compliance from their victims.

False. In the majority of cases, abusers gain access to their victims through deception and enticement, seldom using force. Abuse typically occurs within a long-term, ongoing relationship between the offender and victim and escalates over time.

Most child sexual abusers find their victims by frequenting such places as schoolyards and playgrounds.

False. Most child sexual abusers offend against children whom they know and with whom they have established a relationship.

Most men who commit sexual offenses do not know their victim.

False. 90% of child victims know their offender, with almost half of the offenders being a family member. Of sexual assaults against people age 12 and up, approximately 80% of the victims know the offender.

Child sexual abusers are only attracted to children and are not capable of appropriate sexual relationships.

False. While there is a small subset of child sexual abusers who are exclusively attracted to children, the majority of the individuals who sexually abuse children are (or have previously been) attracted to adults.

Only men commit sexual assault.

False. While most sex offenders are male, sometimes sex offenses are committed by female offenders.

• Megan’s Law—Facts about Sex Offenders [California Office of Attorney General]

Did you pass this small portion of the quiz?  Flying colors or not, you are now armed with factual information. This is invaluable when teaching your kids how to protect themselves. 

Safety Tips—Teach Your Children

• Knowledge is power. Parents, you can educate yourself about those known offenders who reside in your community by contacting your local law enforcement agency.
• Remember, most sexual assaults are committed by someone the victim knows. A stranger doesn’t pose the highest risk to your children. 80-95% of sex offenders are known to their victims.  This includes relatives, friends and authority figures such as teachers and coaches.  Communicate with your children that if they feel uncomfortable in someone’s presence, to trust their instincts. Take steps to distance themselves from him or her. Don’t be afraid to make a scene if necessary. Many assault victims report that they were too polite. Tell someone!
• Avoid high-risk situations. Be observant and aware of your surroundings. Avoid poorly lit areas where an attacker might hide. Identify safe people in your neighborhood that you or your children can go to if you need help. Be thoughtful and use good judgment in choosing your friends and partners. Be cautious about making personal contact with those you meet on the internet.

Great Place to Start

The Federal Bureau of Investigation—Crimes Against Children is an invaluable website.  From here you can choose any state.  Each states’ website provides a wealth of information including sex offender facts, warning signs, victim services, community notification process, contact information, etc. Also, the Center For Missing And Exploited Children is another fantastic resource offering registry websites, child safety information and related news links.

A Resource at Your Fingertips!

Be sure to set yourself up on RAIDS Online to receive email notifications about crime occurring in your area.  You can designate a specific radius from your home address and specify crime types of your interest, such as sexual assaults. It’s that easy!

The Lewiston Police Department recently announced their use of RAIDS Online to the public. Check out the video.

Mapping technology gives easy access to crime stats

Mapping technology gives easy access to crime stats [NBC / WCSH 6 Portland, Maine]