Azle Police Employ 'Predictive' Crime Tool
Follow CBSDFW.COM: Facebook | Twitter
AZLE (CBSDFW) -- The Azle Police Department says it will begin utilizing a powerful crime mapping tool to help "predict" where and when a crime will likely take place.
The tool, powered by BAIR Analytics, will allow police and citizens to "visualize where and when crime is occurring." The analytic tool will allow the city to more accurately focus its resources, the city says.
The online crime map RAIDS, which is available to the public, will map and analyze crime data, alerting citizens about crimes in their area.
The program will also allow users to submit crime tips anonymously to police detectives and receive neighborhood watch reports breaking down recent crime activity.
"The Azle 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 Azle Police Department to provide this free service for their public."
The program has a free iPhone app available and was developed at no cost to the City of Azle.
"It is important to note that to protect the privacy of our citizens, no personal data is provided or published, including names or specific addresses where reports are generated," a city release says.
It is unclear how the program will use data for predicting crime.
(©2015 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
