Page 3 - Florida Sentinel 3-17-20

Local
Sheriff’s Office Implements ‘Reporting On Line Service’
The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office now has an online citizen re- porting feature. On January 21, 2020, the feature began. From that time until March 7th, 540 people had filed reports.
It will allow residents to file a re- port for certain crimes without having to call a deputy to the scene.
Chad Chronister, Hillsborough County Sheriff said, "This system will not only save time and taxpayer dol- lars, but it will also help us prevent the spread of COVID-19.
"While the system was in the works long before the Coronavirus impacted our community, this is an added benefit for our deputies and Hillsborough County residents. It al- lows deputies to respond to higher priority calls faster and reduces the risk of exposure to deputies and resi- dents for non-critical reports."
In order to be eligible for on- line filing, you must meet the
CHAD CHRONISTER Hillsborough County Sheriff
following criteria:
You are 18 years or older; It can not be an emergency, call 9-1-1 for all emergencies; It can not be an in- progress crime; and You can not be in immediate danger.
Before you file an online re- port, know what offenses qual-
ify.
Here’s the list:
* Accident / Traffic Crash: Minor crashes with no injury and no impair- ment. Basically a driver’s exchange event.
* Conservation violation: Illegal dumping with unknown suspects.
* Identity Theft:
* Credit Card Fraud
* Immigration Scam: Fraud or
swindle of the victim who is pursuing immigration reclassification.
* Lost Property: Lost Firearms are not eligible.
* Registration of Golf Carts and Bicycles
* Delayed Shoplifting / Retail Theft: Online submission must be able to submit proof of a crime. Video or photos of the event.
* Vandalism/Graffiti: no known suspects
* Vehicle Vandalism no known suspects
There are several ways you can access the online reporting feature.
First -- if you call the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office the dispatcher may determine your call qualifies for online reporting. You must have a phone that can receive text messages and allows for internet access. You will be forwarded to our Quick Con- nect phone number. Once trans- ferred, you will hear an automated greeting and enter your 10-digit phone number. Quick Connect will send you a mobile link directly to your phone. You will be able to file the on- line report right from your device.
Another option is to use your desktop, laptop or tablet. Once you log onto teamhcso.com, go to the services tab, under the crime column you will see "File a Police Report On- line."
Finally, you can also file an online report by using the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office App.
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