The University of North Carolina at Greensboro Police Department
	General Order 4-1.8	Online Reports

Online reporting is an alternative reporting program that establishes a standard method of handling routine calls for service in lieu of an on-scene response by a patrol officer. This program increases the availability of proactive patrol through the use of more efficient reporting procedures. This method is available in select crime or incident reporting categories under specific conditions and upon agreement of the citizen. Calls for service will still be dispatched when a citizen requests an officer response.

1. Telecommunicators Responsibilities
   
   When a telecommunicator screens an incoming call for service and determines the call can be handled by an online report, the telecommunicator will refer the caller to the UNCG Police Department website and direct the caller on where to locate the Online Reporting Form. If the caller requests a police officer to respond, the telecommunicator will dispatch a police officer to the call for service.
   
   A call for service may be handled by an online report if it is determined that all of the following circumstances exist:
   
   • There are no suspects on the scene and no specific suspect description
   • There are no witnesses at the scene to be interviewed, other than the caller
   • The incident is not in progress
   • There are no injuries
   • There is no threat of imminent danger or injury to the caller
   • Physical evidence does not appear obvious to the caller
   • There are no cameras in the vicinity to obtain suspect description
   • The immediate presence of a police officer at the scene will not increase the chances of resolving the problem or solving the crime
   • The citizen is receptive to reporting the incident online
   • The incident does not involve state property
   The following categories of offenses may be handled by online report:
   
   • Misdemeanor Larcenies
   • Damage to personal property
   • Violations of the Student Disciplinary Code or Residence Life's policy
   • Other as directed by the on-duty supervisor
   Vehicle accidents, hit & runs, personal injury claims, incidents involving electronic devices that can be traced, and incidents involving state property should NOT be handled using the online report.
2. Records Responsibilities
   
   • Records personnel (Records) are required to review the online reports to identify pending calls
   • Contact with the complainant should be attempted before the end of the shift
   • Records will contact the complainant and advise them of the procedures required to obtain a copy of the report
   When processing an online call for service, Records will complete the appropriate incident or supplemental reports.
   
   Records will request a telecommunicator create a call for service in CAD and assign an OCA if needed. If NCIC entries are needed, the telecommunicator will make the entry at Records request. Records will attach the NCIC entry to the incident or supplemental report.
   
   If Records determines that a police officer should respond to the scene the following procedures apply:
   
   • Records will direct the Communications Center to dispatch a police officer to the scene.
   • The police officer dispatched to the scene will assume the call and complete any necessary report.
   • Records will inform the caller of the necessary information required to obtain a copy of the incident report from the UNCG Police Department.
   When exigent circumstances exist, the shift supervisor has the discretion to use the online report function for calls for service not addressed in this directive.
3. Case Manager Responsibilities
   
   It shall be the responsibility of the Case Manager to review the online reports and identify crime patterns, trends, or need for additional follow-up actions.