One Year after Implementation, More than $49K Saved
FREDERICK, Md. (July 13, 2021) – The COVID-19 pandemic caused a lot of changes in the way companies conduct their daily business and the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) is no different. Launching an online reporting tool, shortly after the pandemic started, the FCSO has found a cost and labor efficient system that pays dividends and is here to stay.
“We implemented this tool to help deputies stay focused on the more critical responses to the community, providing an additional avenue for Frederick County citizens to file a police report for certain non-emergency incidents. It also assisted in reducing the risks of COVID-19 exposure to our officers and our Frederick County residents,” said Major Troy Barrick, FCSO Operations Division commander. “What we found is, this tool works well and we hope to expand it in the coming year by adding additional non-emergency call types to the current list of available reports.”
The online reporting tool started on June 23, 2020, and to date there have been more than 900 online reports received. These reports saved more than 1,350 work hours with a total cost savings of approximately $49,720. The top three reports filed were fraud (325), theft (205), and destruction of property (73).
The current tool allows for the following types of reports that a resident can file:
- Destruction of Property
- Drug Tips*
- Fraud
- Harassment
- Hit and Run
- Lost Property
- Patrol Check Requests*
- Theft
- Theft from Motor Vehicle
- Traffic Complaint*
- Vehicle Tampering
Those reports asterisked are ones citizens can file an information only report; however, there will be no verified FCSO report available for purchase.
For the last six months and the next six months to come, the FCSO is using the Governor’s Office of Crime Control & Prevention, Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding to pay for the online reporting tool system.
To access the online report tool, visit https://www.frederickcosheriff.com/online-reporting.
The Frederick County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) is a full-service law enforcement agency; an arm of the court, and a keeper of offenders. In this regard, it exists to serve the more than 250,000 citizens of Frederick County with respect, fairness, and compassion. FCSO is committed to the prevention of crime; the protection of life and property; the preservation of peace and order; the enforcement of laws and ordinances; the safeguarding of constitutional guarantees; and safekeeping of prisoners. The men, women, and officers of this office nurture public trust by holding themselves to the highest standards of performance and ethics. The FCSO is located at 110 Airport Drive East, Frederick, MD, 21701. Visit www.frederickcosheriff.com for more information.
