Town Police Launch Public Crime Map

East Hampton residents are now able to check out a map that shows where crimes are happening in their area.

The East Hampton Town Police Department and BAIR Analytics Inc. have partnered to provide a new way for the public to stay informed, according to a statment from the department on Thursday. There is no cost to the town. 

The department now has an online crime map called RAIDS Online, which "maps and analyzes crime data, alerts East Hampton Town citizens about crimes in their area, and allows the East Hampton Town Police Department to quickly alert the public about crimes as they occur."

Residents can view a map and grid with all of the crimes in their area, sign-up for neighborhood watch reports that automatically email a breakdown of recent crime activity, and submit an anonymous tip about a crime directly to their law enforcement agency.

RAIDS Online automatically syncs with the department's records system to keep crime information updated online and in the mobile app. The analytics dashboard along with some basic information, such as the type of crime, location type, block-level address, date and time.

“The East Hampton Police Department’s participation in RAIDS Online highlights their commitment to proactive communication with the public they serve,” said Sean Bair, founder of BAIR Analytics, “We’re excited to partner with the East Hampton Police Department to provide this free service for their public.”

East Hampton Town police appear to be the first to use the service in Suffolk County. 

The online crime reporting does not cost the town anything. BAIR Analytics offers RAIDS Online and the RAIDS Online Mobile app as a free service to any law enforcement agency that wishes to participate, the agency saidin a statement.

“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,” said Bair, who is a former police officer and analyst.