NORWICH POLICE LAUNCH ONLINE REPORTING FOR NONEMERGENCY INCIDENTS
Norwich — Norwich police are increasing ways for the public to report incidents during the COVID-19 safety distancing protocols.
Anyone with an emergency still should call 911.
Police Chief Patrick Daley issued a new protocol for the public to report several types of incidents online: property damage/vandalism, theft from a motor vehicle, accident on private property with no injury, general reporting, retail theft/larceny, animal complaint, identity theft, abandoned motor vehicles and property check requests.
The online reporting system can be located at bit.ly/NPDreporting or by visiting norwichct. org, selecting the “Government” tab, selecting “POLICE” under the departments tab, and selecting the “Online Reporting” tab on the left of the police page. A valid email address is needed to file a report on this system.
The online reporting system is to report activity that does not require an immediate police response. If a resident would like to speak with an officer or needs immediate assistance, the person should call the main number, (860) 886-5561, ext. 6, to request police services.
Police suggest a person needing to contact police ask the following questions to determine if a report can be done online. If the answer is “no” to all the questions, a report can be done online:
Is this an emergency? If this is an emergency, call 911.
Did this incident take place outside the city of Norwich or on Interstate 395? Are/Is the suspect(s) known? Is there physical evidence at the scene?
Were there firearms or weapons involved?
Is someone injured? If the answer is “yes” to any of the questions, the person should contact Norwich police dispatch at (860) 886-5561 Ext. 6.
All cases filed using the online reporting system will be reviewed, however, it may take up to 24 hours. Upon review, if further investigation of a case is needed, police may contact the person.
“It is with great angst that our department enacted this type of reporting,” Lt. John Perry said in a news release. “Our men and women take great pride in our face to face interactions with the public. Unfortunately, during this trying time we must focus on keeping Officers on the front line healthy. We truly look forward to the day when we can interact on a more personal level that the public has become accustomed to and deserves.”
Perry also said Norwich police are looking for supplies, such as disinfectant wipes and hand sanitizer, to keep officers healthy. Items can be dropped off in the police department lobby, 70 Thames St., Norwich, attention Lt. Perry or Sgt. Thomas Lazzaro.