Police Department Web site now official

By Jeremy Pittari/Item Staff Writer

After months of hard work, the Picayune Police Department Web site has been updated and is celebrating a grand opening.

Even though the Web site has been online for some time, a number of new features have been added to it, including an avenue to report crimes, noise violations and provide information on old, unsolved cases.

“It was almost like it was under construction the last year,” Police Chief Jim Luke said.

Videos about department programs such as Pick it Up Picayune, Teen 411, Senior Patrol and the department’s accreditation, are available to view.

One notable upcoming feature, which is still under construction, will be Crime Mapping. Once functional, the site will display areas in the city where crimes such as murders, assaults and even traffic accidents have taken place. Luke said he hopes the function will be working within the next 30 days.

Reporting of crimes such as stolen items and loud noises is now available online, Luke said. This feature will free up man power and allow the complainant to submit as much information as they have from their home. Noise violations will request information pertaining to the vehicle in question and a description of the driver, if applicable. An officer would follow up on detailed reports and the complainant would be asked to sign charges if charges are sought, Luke said.

Young citizens of the city will still have access to the Teen 411 program through the Web site where they can ask any pertinent law enforcement question. An email response will be sent to the person asking the question as soon as possible.

Crime Stoppers crimes are now listed on the website as well.

People interested in law enforcement career opportunities also can print out an application from the Web site. Once filled out, those applications can be turned into the department.

Sex offenders in the community can be mapped out with the sex offender registry link. Residents can either fill out their current street address or to find out if any live close to them or they find a person by name.

The Picayune Police Department website can be found at http://www.picayunepolicedepartment.com/.