The Cottonwood Police Department is set to introduce a new and enhanced automated victim notification platform provided by Versaterm SPIDR Tech. This platform offers crime victims timely notifications via text message and email about the crimes they report. It aims to improve communication and the user experience for community members who call 911 or the non-emergency number for police services or to report a crime.
The system will send automated text messages to 911 and non-emergency callers, acknowledging their call, and providing basic information. Callers will also receive updates if there is a delay in the police response. Additionally, crime victims will be notified about specific details of their cases, such as investigator assignments, report dates and times, case numbers, and instructions for next steps.
As reports are filed, the platform automatically collects relevant data and sends victims follow up emails and/or text messages, versus the traditional paper victims’ rights forms. The program operates similar to contemporary online shopping and delivery services that have automated notifications. This ensures that victims receive important information and that the department can solicit feedback on their experience with the Cottonwood Police Department. These communications, including surveys, will be available in both English and Spanish. The survey results will help the department continuously improve its services.
The Cottonwood Police Department joins a list of a number of Arizona law enforcement agencies employing this new technology. The Cottonwood Public Safety Communications Center and Cottonwood Information Technology Department played a crucial role in the technological support needed to ensure the reliable and efficient operation of this program.
