KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Officers with the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety (KDPS) are offering alternative methods of crime reporting due to coronavirus concerns.
Officers say they understand citizens may be hesitant to have officers stopping at residences to take a report.
As a result, citizens are encouraged to use alternative crime reporting options as needed. Citizens are also reminded that Kalamazoo Public Safety will continue to provide police, fire, and EMS calls for service within the City of Kalamazoo.
Kalamazoo Public Safety allows online crime reporting for selected crimes through www.kalamazoopublicsafety.org. Click the “Report A Crime” link on the main page to file a report. However, when reporting online, certain criteria must be met:
- The incident must be non-emergency (does not require immediate police response)
- The incident must have occurred inside the City of Kalamazoo
- No known suspects or evidence
- Not involve firearms or prescription drugs
- Not occur on a state highway
Examples of crimes that are eligible for online reporting include the following:
- Child Custody Violations
- Harassing Phone Calls
- Identity Theft
- Lost Property
- Malicious Destruction of Property
- Suspicious Activity
- Theft
- Theft of Gas
- Trouble with Subject
All cases filed using the online reporting system will be reviewed within five business days.
Non-emergency reports may still be able to be filed over the phone. These types of incidents can be reported to the Kalamazoo County Consolidated Dispatch Authority (KCCDA) at 269-488-8911.
Citizens can let the call-taker know that if possible, they would prefer phone contact with an officer as opposed to in-person reporting.
Anonymous tips regarding criminal activity or open police cases can always be submitted to the Silent Observer. The phone number is 269-343-2100. Tips can also be submitted online at www.kalamazoosilentobserver.com.
For non-emergency city services, citizens can call the 311 hotline to be connected with a city representative. The service was recently launched and runs from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Further help in regards to locating a food pantry, housing assistance program or other crisis help can be reached by calling 211, 24 hours a day.
Meanwhile, police are reminding citizens to do their part in slowing the spread of COVID-19 by practicing good hygiene and social distancing.
