The Hamilton Police Service has launched a new Web site with input from community members and key stakeholders across the police organization.
The new site is designed to engage local residents more directly in community-based policing initiatives and to help the Hamilton police collaborate more effectively with partners.
“Hamilton Police Service…has developed this site in response to internal and external input,” said Brian Mullan, Chief of Police, Hamilton Police Service in a statement.
The revamped site, he added, would allow his force members to “reach out and engage people in meaningful community-based policing initiatives,” while fostering open communication and teamwork.
The site was developed with the help of Toronto-based Navantis Inc. a provider of IT products and services to mid-sized and large enterprises. Navantis was reportedly selected for the job because of its experience working with government agencies.
Prior to the redesign, Hamilton Police Service consulted a range of community users and partners for feedback on how to provide them with a Web site that best meets their requirements.
Much of the feedback was incorporated in the site design.
“We wanted to deploy technology that provides a basis for cost-effective, simplified ongoing support and maintenance of the site,” said Ross Memmolo, Manager, Computer Services, Hamilton Police Service.
The new portal allows police officers to update content more easily and more often – a feature that pays of in spades..
For instance, officers working on a missing persons file will be able to update data immediately, constantly keeping the public aware of changes.
The site also enables critical alerts to be posted and automatically broadcasted to a separate community portal and wireless devices, as well as to relevant divisions affected by a crime, while highlighting prevention techniques specific to the crime.