Much can be done on the Internet these days, from shopping and banking to business, education, work and much more. Now, the Police service of England is to follow suit with the TrackMyCrime online system.

Developed by Avon and Somerset Constabulary and acquired by the Ministry of Justice, TrackMyCrime, allows those who have reported a crime to track the investigation online, exchange messages with their investigating officer and have their questions answered regarding their case.

The initiative was launched as a means of making the justice system ‘easy to navigate’ and involve victims and those who have reported a crime in the investigation process a bit more.

In addition to having the access to their investigation and the ability to add details of their case, there will be a pool of useful information for the victims, such as where and how to seek help.

UK Government estimates that should the online crime reporting system be adopted throughout the country, it could save up to £3.7 million and 180,000 police officer hours, per year.

According to the Ministry of Justice, the online reporting system is not set to replace face to face interaction with the officers, but merely make the victims of crime more informed on what is being done regarding their case. Equally, the new system will allow victims and those who have reported a crime to receive information regarding their case at their convenience.

Ministry of Justice and the Home Office have been working together to host TrackMyCrime on police.uk and bring the service to all the police districts around the country.

Currently, the service is being used by the Kent Police, South Yorkshire Police and Avon and Somerset Constabulary, while the government hopes the initiative will expand across the country.

Northamptonshire Police and Nottinghamshire Police also use a similar service which is at present separate to TrackMyCrime.

Considering how much of public life is on the internet, the police say, they are keen on improving the way they communicate with the public. Sharing more information and having victims being able to request information at their convenience, and from the comfort of their home, might bridge some of the communication gaps and improve confidence in the police service.

 

This initiative might be an answer to more efficient allocation of police officers time, without compromising or losing touch with the public. Many people might feel abandoned if they’re unable to speak to their officer or get updates on the crime they reported, therefore TrackMyCrime might prove to be very successful in rebuilding trust in the police and investigating officers.